The eyes of the state are once again focused on South Florida as the Florida Baptist Convention emphasizes the ministry needs in the southern portion of our state through the Maguire State Mission Offering Send South Florida initiative.
The needs in South Florida are undeniable:
- 7 million people – 1/3 of the population of Florida – live in South Florida.
- 95% of South Florida’s population is unchurched.
- More than 47% of homes in the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) speak a language other than English.
One hundred percent of the Maguire State Mission Offering will be used for church planting, church revitalization and church restarting in South Florida.
“This focus enables every church that participates in the offering to share in the exciting story of reaching South Florida for Christ,” said Tommy Green, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention. “God is blessing this unified effort.”
In its second year, Send South Florida is possible through a partnership with the North American Mission Board and the generous gifts of Florida Baptist churches. By increasing attention and engagement, Florida Baptists are hoping to push back lostness in this area of the state.
The Maguire State Mission Offering has always been about reaching every Floridian with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Named after John Maguire, executive director of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1945-1967, the state mission offering gives all Florida Baptists the opportunity to be a part of a concerted effort to advance the Kingdom of God. Before his death in 1987, John Maguire called Florida “the greatest mission field anywhere in the United States.”
Would you consider how you and your church family can play a role in reaching South Florida this year? Promotional materials, including a planning/promotional guide, a prayer guide, poster and offering envelope are available so you can help spread the word about the spiritual needs and ministry difficulties in South Florida. There are several ways to order materials:
- Online at flbaptist.org/send
- By emailing SMO@flbaptist.org
- Call 1-800-226-8584, ext. 3118
Artwork, videos and mission studies are all available for download at flbaptist.org/send.
You can start supporting Send South Florida today by praying for the needs in the area and the churches already there. Each day this week we will highlight one of our Florida Baptist churches that is making a difference in the lives of South Floridians.
“We are better together and I trust that you will share in the eternal impact of this emphasis,” said Green. “Thank you for giving through this offering for #SendSouthFlorida!”
By Nicole Kalil, Florida Baptist Convention, September 7, 2018