Why We give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
In the next 48 hours, churches around our country will gather for Christmas services. Choirs will sing. Handbells will ring. The story of Christ’s birth will be remembered. Then, people will raise candles for a final hymn before leaving for the next holiday activity. It is one of the most wonderful times of the year.
If you have been in a Southern Baptist church during this season, you have probably heard the name of a woman called Lottie Moon. To some, she is a familiar missionary hero. To others, she is just the name attached to the special offering at Christmas. (I might remedy that in a future post.)
Our family was supported by the Christmas offering bearing Lottie Moon’s name for almost 15 years. It is special to us because we’ve experienced firsthand how generous donations in December facilitate ministry throughout the year. While there are abundant avenues to give to at this time of year, I can think of none more worthy than the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO).
Since we’ve returned from serving with the International Mission Board (IMB), we’ve been asked about the IMB and the LMCO often this time of year by people trying to discern whether or not they should give to the LMCO and how it fits into their annual giving.
Here’s my answer: We love the IMB! Our family’s annual giving beyond our local church is focused on this special offering that comes each December. Allow me to share why…
The People - Here’s the truth: We don’t give according to whichever agency offers the slickest promotional videos. We give because we know and believe in the people He has called to cross cultures with the Good News through the IMB. These missionaries are focused on learning the local language, sharing the gospel, discipling new believers, and training pastors. They are not focused on fundraising, and I prefer it that way. Many serve in places where it is unsafe for the world to know their true purpose. I once had the privilege to serve alongside them. A few of them even call me “pastor.” Some of them are right out of college and others have served for decades. They have kiddos who play with snap-circuits, dress up like princesses, and love ice cream just like any kid..but they do it while speaking multiple languages and navigating different cultures.
I can relate to their sacrifice: waking up far from family nearby in a sweaty city, not having a “glory story” to share when asked by a well-meaning friend from home, and wondering what the cost of living for this purpose will be. In Argentina, where we served for more than a decade, I know where missionaries and their children are buried, just like so many other places in the world.
I’m committed to “holding the ropes” so these families can do what God has called them to do. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering allows me to support these people.
The Purpose - The commonality of all those people is their purpose. They long for those who do not profess and praise the name of Jesus to one day worship around His throne. They desire to make His name known among every people, nation, tribe, and tongue because the One whose image each person bears is worthy of their praise. They understand the vision of a multitude of worshippers around the heavenly throne begins with an individual confessing his/her sin, repenting of that sin, putting his/her faith in Jesus, and committing to follow Him forever. I support these people because I share their purpose.
The Plan - The strategy, or plan, of the IMB is simple: plant biblical churches. If I could “gift” the world one thing this year, it wouldn’t be a shoebox for every kid…not rice in every bowl…not a gospel tract in every hand…not even peace and prosperity in every country. It would be a biblical church in every community.
These sent ones believe what I believe about the Bible, and their plan is to plant churches that teach the Bible. What greater gift could we give the world than a biblical church who shares the gospel, makes disciples, cares for those around them, and shares the Good News with others? I support the LMCO because I know and believe in the plan of the IMB.
Every penny given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goes overseas to support the ministry of these people with this purpose committed to this plan. This is why I give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. And I invite you to join me this Christmas by either giving through your local church or giving directly to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering online. Merry Christmas!
