Page 6 - Western Recorder NOVEMBER 2020

6
Western Recorder ǀ November 2020
Baptisms are held in India as a result of evangelism efforts by IMB missionaries which are supported by the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. – IMB photos
A baptism ceremony is held in southern Europe where a family from Living Hope Baptist Church serves on the mission field. – Submitted photo
By CHIP HUTCHESON
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is con- sidered unique from other mission offerings. That’s because 100 percent of gifts help meet the needs for Southern Baptist missionaries across the globe.
This year the goal is $175 million — reflecting Southern Baptists’ 175-year history of reaching the nations with the gospel. The International Mission Board points attention to Rev. 7:9 in the quest to reach the nations with the gospel. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO)
is “vital to reaching the vision of a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ,” according to the IMB website.
The global need for missions is said to be more urgent than ever — statistics say there are 154,937 people dying daily without Christ. By giving to this offering, the generosity of Kentucky Baptists helps take the gospel to
the unreached.
Consider the investment that Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green has in world- wide missions.
“We are a church on mission with a passion
to see God’s glory spread throughout the whole earth,” said Jason Pettus, senior pastor. “Sending and partnering with missionaries is a significant part of who we are at Living Hope. A fundamental aspect of our strategy is to raise up leaders from within the church family who God is calling to go overseas and serve.”
The church receives a special offering —
“The Gift of Christ” — and this year’s goal
is $300,000. “These dollars provide for our people to go overseas and minister alongside our partners,” Pettus said. “It also enables those who are being called to give their lives to global missions to get a personal experience of how God is at work in them and how God desires to work through them.”
There are six missionary families that have been called out of the church. In a typical year, Living Hope members will participate in more than 25 short-term mission trips to serve alongside its ministry partners. “We commis- sion every team on Sunday morning, during worship,” Pettus noted. “This helps our people know to be praying, and it also reminds them that we are a missional church — joining God in His work in the world.”