“When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” (Matthew 9:36-38, HCSB)

Each year, we honor the life and work of Annie Walker Armstrong (1850-1938) when we give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American missions. As a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world, Annie Armstrong led women to unite in mission endeavors that ultimately led to the formation of Woman's Missionary Union (WMU), for which she served as the first corresponding secretary. She proposed the first WMU "Self-Denial Offering for Home Missions" (renamed the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering in her honor in 1934).

To “Start Here” is to look inward at ourselves. It is to examine our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions. It is to discover the strengths and weaknesses of our faith. The mirror that reflects our inward condition is God’s Word. We must respond to God’s desire for us to explore His Word, listen to His voice, and invite His Spirit to move in our lives so we can freely and sacrificially give ourselves to His Kingdom work as we live out the Great Commission task.

“Start Here” is to also see those around us with God’s eyes and to respond to what we see with His hands of love and His heart of compassion and His message of Truth and salvation.

The landscape of lives that make up North America will never be fully cultivated and harvested without God first touching Christians’ hearts to see the field and discover their personal roles in fulfilling the Great Commission. Christians must see the crowds and not be overwhelmed by the vastness of the needs. They must “start here” — with one person, with one prayer. Those that have discovered God’s abiding presence, even in the midst of fear, inspire and motivate us to join them in having passion and compassion that reaches from one’s heart all the way around the world – knowing sometimes the world is as close as the person right beside you.

Our North American missionaries, in partnership with state conventions, associations, and local churches are living out the call God has placed on their lives by moving out of their comfort zones and unashamedly proclaiming the message of salvation with all people they encounter. They are creatively and actively seeking common ground with unbelievers so they can share the powerful message of God which transforms lives from sinful man to redeemed believer.

Together, we can pray for our North American missionaries, give sacrificially to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and work alongside our Southern Baptist missionaries and do our part to share God's powerful message of forgiveness and the offer of eternal life.

During the Week of Prayer for North American Missions (April 3-9), consider how you can “start here” and impact the Kingdom of God through your continued prayers, giving, and going in this urgent task God has called us to carry out. Pray for these missionaries who represent the dedicated work of thousands like them.

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is much more than an offering envelope and an annual missions-giving emphasis. When you give to the offering, 100 percent of your gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Time and again missionaries relate how the offering is their lifeblood. They know that behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do and are affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior. This year's National Goal for the Annie Armstrong Offering is $70 Million. Our church goal is $6500. Beginning April 3, you will be able to give using the special envelopes provided in the pews, or you may give online. We will be collecting for this offering April 3 through May 1.

What's Going On at FBCJ?