Your IMB E-Letter
Dec. 18, 2013
 VIDEO: What’s in your well?
IMB President Tom Elliff reminds us that thirsty people around the globe need the Living Water. Challenge your congregation to give from the wellspring of their hearts.
Also from Tom: Christ is worthy of your all
 VIDEO: What is the value of one soul?
Alex Garcia, serving among ethnics in London, is grateful for your giving that allows him to help people from all over the world fall in love with Jesus. It’s worth the sacrifice of going and giving.
Watch and share more missionary testimonies  Lottie Moon at Work: One more day
Zulema left horrors behind when she fled from Syria two years ago. But she ran straight into the arms of people she says God put in her path. Read how $136 a day supports workers bringing hope.
Find and share more such stories at Lottie Moon at Work.
 The legacy of Lottie Moon
What’s the story of Lottie Moon? Why do we name our international missions offering after her? This info-graphic gives the short and sweet answer. Learn more about Lottie – her life, her letters, her teacake recipe!
 IMB president witnesses church-planting movement in Cuba
“I found it surprising, almost shocking,” said IMB President Tom Elliff, “to find some of the greatest expressions of faith within 100 miles of the United States.” Today, an estimated 900 churches and 6,500-plus missions and house churches can be found in Cuba.
 First person: Worker asks, ‘Will South Africa keep Mandela’s ideals?’
“Incarcerated from 1962-1990, Mandela used his time in prison to study extensively. I sensed his shift from radical policies to more conciliatory ones as I observed him from nearby Zimbabwe and Mozambique as I served in Africa with IMB. He expertly navigated the turbulent times that characterized South Africa emerging from apartheid.”
 WorldView: Mandela and the power of forgiveness
“There was near-certainty that the country would explode in violence and descend into civil war,” one Southern Baptist missionary in Africa recalls. “Those horrors were averted because one man who was intimate with injustice had the wisdom to realize that retribution was fatally poisonous and redemption a healing balm.” That man was Nelson Mandela.
WorldView: Late for Christmas
Not motivated to get ready for Christmas this year? Are you weary with the whole giving-getting business, if all it means is a boost for retail sales? Or maybe you have yet to prepare a place in the “guest room” of your life for Jesus, the promised Messiah. Visit WorldView Conversation, the blog related to this column.
 Lives intertwine through faithful praying
It was hard. We wanted to give up, but you don’t just “unadopt” someone. We couldn’t give up on taking the Gospel to this unengaged, unreached people group. We vowed that we were in it for the long haul … not one year but as long as it takes. Now, years later, there are believers … even a church! Follow the journey of an Arkansas church who embraced an unengaged, unreached people group in India. First-person stories, photos, video and a timeline tell their incredible story.
See also Tips for churches: Don't make the same mistakes we did! FBC Centerton offers advice on embracing an unreached, unengaged people group; and Telling Our Story: Normal people – not seminary-trained missionaries but people just like you – try to ignite a spark to reach a lost world.
Give through your church – or donate now
Every penny you give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® supports missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. We encourage you to give through your local church but also offer online giving for your convenience.
Giving option to benefit you – and missions
Did you know paying inheritance or estate taxes is optional? Many planning options can increase your ability to support your family, increase your gifts to missions and eliminate taxes. Outright cash gifts are always welcome, but other ways to give may better serve you and your family. Explore options that could benefit both you and missions.
If you are 70½ or older, print this flier and use it to learn the benefits of an IRA rollover.
Last-minute Lottie
Short on time to put together a presentation to promote the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this year? No problem! Whether you are the pastor or a missions leader, we’ve designed several presentations using our Web resources. Use them all, pick just one or mix and match.
 Making their mark
Lead your church to celebrate the legacy of Southern Baptist women in international missions with this interactive timeline, a new addition to the Commission Stories multimedia package on Women on mission.
 Funding International Missions chart
Missions and missionaries are funded primarily by the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. See how your dollars make their way from your church to the world with our Funding International Missions chart. Select your state and see how much of your state’s Cooperative Program collection is sent to the Southern Baptist Convention.
 Black Missions Link - Connecting our community with global evangelism
It happened on Christmas Eve. A Kenyan security guard on his rounds encountered an IMB missionary who looked “Kenyan” to him but had an American accent. Before their conversation was over, the guard prayed to receive Christ. Read more in the latest edition of Black Missions Link bimonthly e-newsletter. Subscribe here.
 Kids On Mission subscriptions
E-newsletters for leaders, prayer and educational resources for children and a quarterly resource with stories on DVD – all in one handy subscription page. Lead your children to make a world of difference!
Speaking of missions Missions by the book: The Word became flesh
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, ESV). Quotable: In memory of The Gift
“Is not the festive season when families and friends exchange gifts in memory of The Gift laid on the altar of the world for the redemption of the human race, the most appropriate time to consecrate a portion from abounding riches and scant poverty to send forth the good tidings of great joy into all the earth?”
— Lottie Moon, Sept. 15, 1887
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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