Alabama’s Lottie Moon giving increases more than nation’s

Alabama Baptists have demonstrated the depth of their heart for missions by the increase in giving that has continued in spite of the depressed economy.

In fact, Alabama Baptists’ gifts to the 2002 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering increased 50 percent more than the national average.

In a report provided by the International Mission Board, the percentage increase in national giving reported from 2001 ($113,709,471.17) to 2002 ($115,015,216.49) was 1.15 percent.

Alabama, which was ranked fourth in giving among all state conventions, had an increase in giving of 1.82 percent- from $9,267,132.41 in 2001 to $9,436,018.22 in 2002.

While no Alabama Baptist churches made the top 10 in giving nationally, more than 10 percent of the top 50 was made up of Alabama Baptist congregations.

Whitesburg Baptist Church, Huntsville, was Alabama’s top giver to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 2002 and ranked 12^th nationally with a gift of $182,000.

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, came in 17^th in the nation with $143,169 and Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, was 26^th with $127,444.

Ranking 29^th in the nation was Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Homewood, with $122,646, while Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn, ranked 39^th with $110,962.

First Baptist Church, Opelika, captured the 44^th slot with a gift of $107,129.

Thirteen other Alabama Baptist churches gave more than $50,000 to the offering in 2002.

(TAB)