Can you imagine what it would be like if your home caught on fire and you called 911 but they said they had no firemen to send because of budget cuts?

How would you feel if you had a loved one suffering from a heart attack and you brought them to the emergency room only to hear the receptionist say, “Sorry—but we’ve had to lay off all our ER staff because there just weren’t enough funds to pay their salaries.”

In a very real sense something far worse is happening on mission fields around the world. People who need to hear the Gospel don’t because giving to missions is down and agencies like our own International Mission Board have had to say “no” to people who have said “yes” when God asked them to go to share His love on foreign fields.

Here’s a true example:  Tim and Audrey Shepard (names changed) had said goodbyes to their neighbors, friends and church family. They had sold their home and resigned from their jobs. They had even given away the family dog, a Sheltie named “Q-tip.”

When they decided to answer God’s call to share Jesus in Asia as missionaries, they knew there could be obstacles. But the couple never expected a lack of funds. When word got out that 69 candidates in the pipeline to serve as long-term missionaries couldn’t be sent because of a lack of funds, churches spontaneously responded with extra gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering—enough that International Mission Board trustees gave the go-ahead to 25 of those held back, including the Shepards.

But others are still waiting. And because of that millions are missing the opportunity to even hear the Gospel.

One way our church joins with other believers in the mission of reaching those who are still missing this opportunity, is by giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This year our goal is $15,000. Your gifts will be distributed as follows:

• 50% to cooperative missions (SBC or CBF as notated by giver—default: SBC)
• 25% to Cathie Burke and her ministry to refuge women in Kenya
• 25% to RBC foreign mission trips (Dominican Republic and Guinea)

I encourage you to give sacrificially so our goal can be met.  In fact, consider adding to your giving by going! Ask God if it is His will for you to join us on one of Redland’s mission trips. I know for a fact that there is still room on the Dominican Republic team. If you have questions about that trip, ask Bob Michael.

Join me in giving and going so that lost people can hear and respond to the love of Jesus.

Keep the SON in your eyes!