Baptist Press
SAN FRANCISCO — For the third straight year, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) for North American missions has hit a record high.
The 2019 offering total was announced during an Oct. 7 gathering with North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees. Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd revealed the $62.2 million total in a video call.
“This record-breaking offering that our churches have given this past year through our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions demonstrates the passionate desire our churches have to reach each person for Jesus Christ in North America,” Floyd said.
The offering, all of which goes directly to the field to resource missionaries and their work, surpassed previous record highs — $61.2 million in 2018 and $59.7 million in 2017.
The offering total includes $4,495,673 contributed through Tennessee Baptist Convention churches.
NAMB President Kevin Ezell called the offering total “historic” as he expressed his gratitude to Southern Baptists.
“First, we thank God,” Ezell said. “He can fund this mission and carry it out any way He chooses, but He allows Southern Baptists to play a part, and He allows NAMB to serve Southern Baptists.”
Money given to the offering is spent in the year in which it is received.
“Everything we do is about spreading the gospel throughout North America,” Ezell said. “What Southern Baptists give and sacrifice to make that happen will impact countless lives for an eternity to come.”
The population of North America is 363 million, and 273 million — 75 percent — do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. NAMB exists to help equip churches to be on mission to reach those in need of the gospel in their own communities and across the continent.
