Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
2024 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Goal: $75 million
WHY IS THE EASTER OFFERING IS NAMED FOR ANNIE?
In 1895, an offering was first collected for the work of the Home Missions Board. In 1934, this offering was renamed the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions to honor the work of Annie Armstrong as a tireless advocate for giving, praying and going to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who did not know him.
Today, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering goes to train, resource, and send more than 2,400 missionary families across the United States and Canada.
One hundred percent of the offering goes to the missionaries, none to administration.
10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANNIE ARMSTRONG
- Annie Armstrong was born on July 11, 1850, in Baltimore, Maryland.
- From a young age, she went with her mother to the missionary meetings of Woman’s Mission to Woman. It was there she developed a heart for missions.
- Annie helped plant churches.
- Although her family was very wealthy, she had a heart to serve those who lived in poverty and addiction, especially the impoverished who lived in rural areas.
- Annie mobilized women to reach beyond the bounds of race by organizing missions to African Americans and Native Americans.
- In 1882, Annie helped organize and became the first president of the Woman’s Baptist Home Mission Society of Maryland.
- On May 14, 1888, Annie helped women from 12 states form the Executive Committee of Woman’s Missions Societies, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. This organization would officially be named Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention in 1890. She was elected as corresponding secretary.
- In 1888, Annie was elected corresponding secretary of the organization and her motto, “Go Forward” was chosen. Annie wrote 100s of letter to raise awareness and promote giving to missions. It was in this year that a foreign missions offering was established to send a missionary to China to relieve Lottie Moon.
- Annie Armstrong served WMU until 1906. During that time she never took a salary.
- Annie died on December 20, 1938, the year of WMU’s 50 anniversary.
All About Annie Armstrong
Do your preschoolers know about the amazing life and work of Annie Armstrong? This leaflet tells her story, explains the life-changing importance of the annual Easter offering, and provides questions about this remarkable woman. Fun, hands-on missions activities for preschoolers are included to enhance your preschoolers’ learning.
Go Forward: The Story of Annie Armstrong
Annie Armstrong comes to life in this vivid account of her life as an early WMU leader. Known as an advocate for missions giving and participation, she worked tirelessly to grow a grassroots missions organization that thrives today. Spend time with her as she experiences the challenges of organizing WMU while following her passion to help people in need.
The Life of Annie Armstrong
Introduce your church to Annie Armstrong and her legacy of missions through WMU in this short leaflet. Affordably priced for distribution to the entire congregation, this leaflet will help your church become aware of how the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering got its name.
Annie Armstrong Figurine
Annie Armstrong (1850–1938) worked tirelessly to encourage believers to give more, pray more, and do more for the cause of Christ at home and abroad. She was the leading organizer in the formation of WMU.
Handmade by women in Thailand through Thai Country Trim, WorldCrafts’ first artisan group in 1996.
Measures 5.875 inches tall.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Badge/Patch
Encourage children to give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering by awarding this badge/patch to those who give to support North American missionaries.
Missions Bank
Encourage people in your church to support missions by giving to missions offerings. Use these colorful fold-out banks for collecting coins for regular missions giving, or for special missions offerings such as the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, or your state missions offering. Ten banks included in each set.
The Week of Prayer for North American Missions is a special, focused time of prayer for Southern Baptist missionaries serving through the North American Mission Board and the people they serve.
We invite you to join us this season of prayer, March 3–10, 2024.
In addition to prayer, your generosity in giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering makes an eternal impact. When you give directly to this offering, 100 percent of your gifts support missionaries in North America.
The 2024 goal for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is $75 million.
Contact your state WMU office or state convention office for free printed materials for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Downloadable resources are available at anniearmstrong.com.