ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Challenging. Exciting. Humbling. I’ve met numerous Southern Baptist missionaries during my years of service at NAMB, and these three words surface in many of their stories. From planting churches to meeting needs through compassion ministries, the calling these missionaries have given their lives to is not easy, but it’s worth it as they get to share the hope of the Gospel and see lives forever changed by Jesus. 

Maybe you’ve talked to our missionaries and have heard their stories, but did you know that we can be part of their story? By giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, we have the privilege of stepping into the story of thousands of missionaries who plant churches, meet needs and engage in evangelism so that the Gospel permeates North America. It’s challenging. It’s exciting. It’s humbling.

In Exodus 17, Moses stood on top of a hill and held up a staff as the Israelites battled the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Exodus 17:12 says, “But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” When we support our missionaries through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, we get to come alongside them and hold up their hands as they serve where God has called them. What an encouragement to them and a privilege for us.

Our team at the North American Mission Board thanks you for your investment in the lives of our missionaries. We encourage you to continue praying, serving, and giving. Together, we can reach more people with the hope of the Gospel! 

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Catherine Renfro is the Evangelism Director at the North American Mission Board.)