This year I  have been writing a series of short articles about the Eliza Broadus Offering for the Western Recorder.  As a way of spreading the word about EBO, I plan to start posting these columns in my blog as well.   The following appeared in the Western Recorder in November.

As we observe the Christmas season when we are often more aware of the need to care for the less fortunate, the Eliza Broadus Offering is already at work.  Through NAMB appointed career and MSC missionaries, Kentucky Baptists are reaching out to people in need across our state.

 The KBC Mission Service and Ministries Department supports Mission Service Corps and career appointed missionaries, coordinates with regional ministries, promotes prayer and provides other services to churches and missions leaders.  This year the Eliza Broadus Offering will provide $164,000 for these ministries.  This includes funds for appointed missionary personnel serving poor communities of Kentucky ($100,000); Church and Community outreach initiatives ($20,000); Missions Mobilization ($30,000); Literacy Conference ($1,000); Retreat for NAMB Career Appointed and NAMB Mission Service Corps missionaries serving in Kentucky ($3,000); and Mountain Missions Baptist Centers building repairs ($10,000).

 But these funds cannot be provided in full unless they are given.  Your generous gifts to the Eliza Broadus Offering are needed more than ever to help make these ministries possible.

 You can go a step further in your support of state missions through Adopt a Missionary.  By adopting one of our Kentucky missionaries, you can do some extra things like:
Prayer– this is their number one need!
Communicate– a telephone call, letter, or email can offer much needed encouragement.
Send Something – a birthday or holiday care package will let them know you are remembering them on this special day.
Visit – make arrangements to visit the ministry site and assist them in their work.
Invite – missionaries love to tell about their ministry and how God is working. Let them share with your church, small group, or missions organization.
Meet a Need – there is always a shortage of ministry resources. What does your missionary need that you or your church group could provide?

Learn more about Adopt a Missionary at www.kybaptist.org/adoptamissionary. Or call: 502-489-3530 or 866-489-3530.  View a listing of Kentucky missionaries, including pictures and other information at www.kybaptist.org/missionaries.

Chain Reaction is both the theme and goal of this year’s state missions emphasis.  Through  praying, giving, and adopting missionaries, you can start a chain reaction across our state!