NCMO offers relief, eternal hope

Every September, churches across the state of North Carolina pause to reflect on, celebrate and give sacrificially to the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO).

The NCMO is an annual offering that provides support for the ministries of Baptists on Mission, church planting, mission camps, associational projects and mobilization ministry projects.

“Relief for today. Hope for tomorrow.” is the theme for this year’s North Carolina Missions Offering.

Even in the midst of dire circumstances, God has filled our hearts with a joy that must be carried forth in love and ministry to others.

The theme is based upon Romans 15:13, which says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (HCSB).

No matter the circumstance and no matter the cost, we’re called to bring relief to our hurting world through selfless acts of kindness and generosity. Because of your gifts to the North Carolina Missions Offering, Baptists are being mobilized across our state and around the world to provide relief in the midst of pain and disaster. But more than providing temporary relief, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers eternal hope.

The offering goal for 2021 is $2.1 million.

But more than providing temporary relief, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, which offers eternal hope.

NCMO supports ministry efforts both here and around the world. Abroad, the offering supports key mission partnerships in countries such as Armenia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Romania and Cuba.

Here in the United States, NCMO supports the many ministries of Baptists on Mission, church planting, mission camps, mobilization ministry projects and work through the Baptist associations.

COVID-19 impacted every county in North Carolina. Throughout the pandemic, local churches ministered to hurting families across our state in many ways. One way churches served hundreds of families was by distributing food boxes to those in need as part of a coordinated effort with Baptists on Mission. During the course of 2020, thousands of volunteers and more than 300 churches distributed more than 9 million pounds of food to communities and families in need.

In addition, 10 percent of all NCMO funds are sent to local associations to support various missions and outreach efforts that serve those in need.

Although the NCMO emphasis occurs in September, offerings are received year-round. A number of free resources are available for pastors to promote NCMO in their churches. Resources are available at ncmissionsoffering.org/resources.