The Joy of Giving

This year the West Africa Region's annual general meeting in July included a new event that attracted much attention. The hotel conference room was almost filled to capacity when missionaries and "missionary kids" convened for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) auction. As people entered the room, their eyes widened as they caught a glimpse of hundreds of "all-American" items on tables lining the room. The American volunteers who had come to help with the meetings had also brought items for the auction. For the missionaries serving in remote places throughout West Africa (some without the comforts of electricity or even running water), the scene was almost overwhelming. Pre-packaged "meals-in-a-box," sweets, cereals, snacks, toys, health and beauty aids... This was a real-live "Candyland" for the children, and the ultimate convenience store for the adults. After the silent auction, the crowd became even more animated during the live auction when the bids rose to well over $1,000 for choice items such as Dr. Pepper. People seemed oblivious of time, and when the evening came to an end, the colossal assortment of treats had vanished.

The next day before the adult worship and Bible study began, a few individuals came with a similar request, "We weren't able to come to the auction last night, so would you please take up an offering this morning?" An offering was taken, using a hat and a cardboard box since an offering plate was not available. The following day, other missionaries asked that an offering be taken again. Many of these had prayed, individually or as a family, and sensed that God was leading them to give more to help IMB ministries around the world. By the end of the week, several offerings had been taken, and about $50,000 had been given (an average of $285 per missionary). For some of these missionaries, their auction expenditures were in addition to the amount that they give to the LMCO each year through their home church or another stateside church with whom they maintain close ties.

David Steverson, IMB Vice-President/Treasurer, has said, "Our field personnel are the biggest supporters of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering... It would be easy for our personnel to say 'I'm doing my part by being here,' but they go above and beyond in their gifts as well."

As the Christmas season approaches, prayerfully seek God's will and guidance so that your missions offering will genuinely honor Him. Give God your "first fruits" - set aside your Lottie Moon Christmas Offering before you begin your Christmas shopping spree. Then you can experience the true JOY of GIVING.

Sarah Haun - West Africa Regional Prayer Advocate