We are at that time of year when our mission’s focus is on the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. But what exactly does this mean? And who was Annie Armstrong? Let me tell you about Annie and then I’ll move our focus to the offering.

Annie Armstrong (1850-1938) was born in Maryland, saved at age nineteen, and helped plant a church at twenty-one. She was instrumental in establishing the Woman’s Missionary Union in 1888. She was the WMU’s first secretary of correspondence. One year she wrote more than 18,000 letters! She was obviously passionate about writing that included writing curriculum for the Sunday School board.

Armstrong was also involved in leading the WMU to raise money for foreign and home missions. While she was serving as secretary (1888-1906) total offerings for the Foreign Mission Board increased 266.27907% ($86,000 to $315,000). This increase is mainly attributed to her passion for missions.

She had a tireless mentality of doing all she could for the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom. This commitment was felt throughout the world through missions and the Southern Baptist Convention.

The convention goal this year is $60 million; our part in this is $1,500. 100% of the monies given through the Annie Armstrong Offering will be used for missionary work in the United States and Canada. The funds will be used for church planting, college evangelism, and training the next generation of missionaries through apprenticeships, internships and student missionaries.

Giving to the Annie Armstrong Offering is not a duty, it is a delight. Our giving should reflect a sacrifice beyond our regular giving of tithes and offerings to support Calvary; our sacrifice should reflect the sacrifice of Annie Armstrong. If we truly sacrifice the way God would want us to I wonder if our offering wouldn’t blow the doors off our goal? After all, it’s only a goal.

Grace & Peace,