Submitted by philip on
By Karen L. Willoughby, Managing Editor
STATEWIDE – The Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering (GBO) is more than just an offering, says David Hankins, Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
“It is an intentional effort that focuses our prayers and our resources on missions and ministries in Louisiana,” Hankins said.
The Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for State Missions, Sept. 13-16, provides Louisiana Baptists the opportunity to focus on the spiritual needs of the state’s 4.5 million residents.
In honor of 200 years of Baptist ministry in the state, the offering goal is $2 million. Hankins acknowledges that it’s a big goal but adds, “It is exceeded only by the task that lies before us … impacting every person in Louisiana with the Gospel.”
The theme, “Awaken to Joy,” is intended to complement the year-long “Awaken” emphasis of the convention that has challenged Louisiana Baptists to prepare, pray and plead with God to send a spiritual awakening across the state.
Janie Wise, director of LBC women’s missions and ministries, leads in promoting the seasonal missions weeks of prayer and offerings including GBO as well as Lottie Moon at Christmas and Annie Armstrong at Easter.
“As we have sought spiritual awakening this year, our hearts have been broken for those in our own neighborhoods and across our state who have yet to experience joy through New Life in Christ,” Wise said.
Wise noted that all of the $2 million given to the Georgia Barnette Offering will stay in Louisiana, to help Louisiana Baptists spread the gospel throughout the state.
This includes emphases on right-to-life issues, disaster relief, mission Vacation Bible Schools, ethnic missions and ministries, and church planting.
“The $2 million goal for 2012 follows a record offering in 2011,” said Wise. “In 2011, 955 of the 1600 congregations gave over $1.72 million for missions and ministries in Louisiana.”
With possible changes coming from the North American Mission Board regarding the allocation of resources back to the states, the GBO takes on added importance, Hankins said.
“It is our intent to move ahead and do what needs to be done to engage Louisiana,” the LBC executive director said. “We’re confident that Louisiana Baptists will rise to the challenge and provide the resources needed, even if funds from NAMB are directed elsewhere.”
The Georgia Barnette Offering can be received any week of the year, though the majority of it comes in September and October.
Reflecting on the future of missions and ministries in Louisiana, Hankins noted, “May it be said that through the Cooperative Program and the Georgia Barnette Offering, Louisiana Baptists prayed and they preached, they served and they loved, and they gave, and they helped bring a culture back to God.”