RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s Woman’s Missionary Union has broadened its annual Christmas offering for international missions by adding a “customized” plan allowing churches to give to specific missions projects.
Leaders of the auxiliary said the new plan was requested by churches to foster both hands-on involvement and financial support for missions.
The Southern Baptist Convention’s top official for overseas work, however, criticized the plan, charging it would erode support for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, an annual collection that provides nearly half the budget for the SBC International Mission Board.
Many churches have requested a customized option that would allow personalized funding of special projects and more direct relationships than an offering that funds the overall work of a large institution.
In a year-long study, WMU leaders explored highlighting special projects currently funded by SBC missions offerings.
This year’s options, which have been approved by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, include assistance for livestock production and extension in Liberia, a hospice/nursing care project in China and training for women at a new Baptist seminary in southern India.
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