LMCO

In the pages of history when wars were fought, soldiers would take to the battle field rallying behind a flag bearer who led the march toward the enemy.  The raised flag was a beacon for the soldiers, their assurance that they were advancing and that the causes for which they fought were worth dying for.

Last Friday I sat in our semi-annual Association meeting, listening to the reports from our churches about what God was doing: new believers being baptized, outreach Bible studies started, exciting ministry opportunities opening up, and best of all – lives being changed.  I didn’t do all of these.  In fact, most of these things happened apart from any direct involvement on my part.  God has raised up faithful men and women in our churches here who are on the front lines, leading the charge in advancing God’s kingdom.

But others have compared my role to that of a flag bearer.  For our leaders here, knowing that there are other Christians in the world like me who care about what they are doing, who are praying for them, who are cheering them on, motivates them to keep marching onward, to continue the often thankless task of storming the gates of hell and planting the flag of Jesus Christ in dark places.

If that is my role - to carry the flag of God’s kingdom so I can encourage others, then I’m glad to do it.  And the only reason I’m able to do it is because of your support.  The season for the Lottie-Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions is upon us.  While in the U.S. in 2012-13, I was shocked to learn that most Southern Baptist churches give $0 to this annual offering.  Yet, for those who give, they share in the effort and the glory of carrying the Christian flag in far away places.

Last week I gave 10 Bibles to a rural church whose members could not afford to purchase Bibles for themselves.  The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – LMCO made that possible.  Because of LMCO, over 200 of our church leaders were blessed and encouraged as they gathered for a retreat last April.  Next week I will be speaking to more than 50 church youth leaders about mentoring students for Christ, and again to a school about finding Jesus in the midst of an evil world.  LMCO makes this and much more possible.  The flag is being carried, the soldiers are marching forward, the gospel is being spread, all because faithful churches give to the LMCO each year.

As the season for Thanksgiving and Christmas draws near, with thoughts of food, family, gifts, and Christmas lights, please remember the dedicated soldiers on the front lines who are sacrificially advancing God’s kingdom.  Carry the flag with me; give to the LMCO!