A question asked to elicit an answer of reason, cause or purpose. Parents certainly can testify that it is a question often asked by children of all ages. People always want to know the purpose behind the actions they are asked to engage in. 

So it is appropriate to ask, “Why emphasize and promote prayer for California missions, and giving to the California Mission Offering?” The best answer is that “The Great Commission Begins Here!” 

This year’s CMO scripture theme, Romans 10:13-14, declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! The passage is clear: someone needs to tell the Good News and therefore it is incumbent on California Southern Baptists to go and share. 

Because we are committed to fulfilling the Great Commission, there is no better place to begin the task than here in the Golden State. California Southern Baptists are “Reaching the World in California” because the world – ethnic, language and people groups – has chosen to make its home in the shadow of our churches throughout the state. 

Each week California Southern Baptists worship in more than 80 languages/dialects representing almost 60 ethnic groups. The need is great for Californians to hear about the salvation Jesus offers. California Southern Baptists have the answer and work to minister in a variety of ways to share the gospel. 

Two ways of the many ways California Mission Offering helps spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ are starting new churches and providing Evangelistic Block Party trailers. These ministries are featured in this year’s offering materials.

Church starting has been the largest allocation of the offering for several years. This year is no exception. Each year, California Southern Baptists start about 100 churches; however, we need to be starting three times that many to keep up with the population growth of our state. 

Another way of ministering to our neighbors is through Evangelistic Block Parties. The California Mission Offering has been instrumental in purchasing, either fully or in part, Block Party trailers that contain most of the equipment – from popcorn and snow cone machines to a bounce house – for a successful Evangelistic Block Party. These trailers are used multiple times each year to help church members introduce people to Jesus. 

The California Mission Offering: WHY? The best reason is: The Great Commission Begins Here!