Who was Annie Armstrong? Each year, we honor the life and work of Annie Walker Armstrong (1850-1938) when we give to the annual offering for North American missions named after her. But until last night, I did not understand the magnitude and impact that this spirit-filled individual left as her legacy.
As a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world, Annie Armstrong led women to unite in mission endeavors that ultimately led to the formation of Woman's Missionary Union (WMU).
From http://www.anniearmstrong.com/. Annie believed in Christ with all her heart, but it was her hands that expressed that belief in tangible ways. She spent a great amount of time typing and handwriting letters in support of missions. Many of these letters were quite lengthy and all were filled with conviction that more could and should be done in our mission efforts. In 1893 alone, she wrote almost 18,000 letters! Annie also never hesitated to use her hands to reach out to hug a child or distribute food and clothing and the Word of God to those in need. Her hands held her own Bible as she studied to know how best to share Gods love with others. And, most important, Annie was a woman of prayer, folding her hands in prayer to intercede for the missionaries and for those they were helping discover Christ.
Annie rallied churches to give more, pray more, and do more for reaching people for Christ. As we continue to unite to make her vision a reality in North America today, we can be confident that her legacy will also be ours.
Each year, during the month of Easter, Souther Baptist Missionary Churches participate in the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®
The offering is much more than an offering envelope and an annual missions-giving emphasis. When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Time and again our missionaries relate how the offering is their lifeblood. They know that behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do and are affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior.
Our pastor shared this with us last night at prayer meeting. We also saw a short video that you can view by visiting Dreamer in Action. In the clip, Annie states "We MUST go foward." At the time of her passing, her pastor called her ...a woman of great faith...a dreamer in action.
It made me very humble to imagine the hours and hours that this ONE individual lady spent to make a difference in the lives of others. With our busy lives today, it is hard for us to comprehend sitting down and writing letter after letter in an effort to spread the Gospel. We fall short so many times. In Annie's day, travel was not always easy or speedy. Yet, she managed to travel across the continent sharing the message of God, helping the needy, providing a hug and comfort to many.
But how many times during the altar call do we stand silently, watching someone sitting close by struggle with need and we do nothing about it. Do we daily tell people about Christ and share His love? Do we dig deep in our bible and share His words, His plan of salvation? Or do we simply donate a small item here; a dollar or two there and justify it with "Well, I've done my part." Annie believed we needed to do more, pray more and give more. Not everyone has the means to give back and God understands. But how much more could we pray. When someone says pray for me or my loved one, do you say "I will" then go on and forget about your committment. Do you say "Dear Lord take care of this situation. Amen" and go on your merry way? Or do you drop to your knees and have a deep heartfelt talk with God asking for His help in the situation.
Annie Armstrong should be a reminder to woman and men everywhere. God blesses us daily. Spread His word and teach others how to be blessed as well.
