The "Annie" of the Offering

Each year, we honor the life and work of Annie Walker Armstrong (1850-1938) when we give to the annual offering for North American missions named after her. As a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world, Annie Armstrong led women to unite in mission endeavors that ultimately led to the formation of Woman's Missionary Union, for which she served as the first corresponding secretary.

Annie believed in Christ with all her heart, but it was her hands that expressed that belief in tangible ways. She spent a great amount of time typing and handwriting letters in support of missions. Many of these letters were quite lengthy and all were filled with conviction that more could and should be done in our mission efforts.  In 1893 alone, she wrote almost 18,000 letters! Annie also never hesitated to use her hands to reach out to hug a child or distribute food and clothing and the Word of God to those in need. Her hands held her own Bible as she studied to know how best to share Gods love with others. And, most important, Annie was a woman of prayer, folding her hands in prayer to intercede for the missionaries and for those they were helping discover Christ.

Annie rallied churches to give more, pray more, and do more for reaching people for Christ. As we continue to unite to make her vision a reality in North America today, we can be confident that her legacy will also be ours.

 

Annie Armstrong Biographical Resources

Annie Armstrong: Her Legacy Lives in Oklahoma from Missions Mosaic, June 2009 issue

Annie Armstrong Special Edition article from BaptistLIFE, Newsjournal of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

WMU Biography of Annie Armstrong 

Baptist History and Heritage Brochure: Annie Armstrong: Shaper of Missions 

Annie Armstrong: Shaper of Missions - Spanish  

A Day with Annie Armstrong 

Maryland Women's Hall of Fame – Annie Armstrong 

Southern Baptist Historical Library – Annie Armstrong 

Annie Armstrong Letters  

Priced Resources from Woman's Missionary Union

	The Lottie and Annie Upside-Down Book An old story told in a creative new way, this books tells the fascinating stories of Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong. It is perfect for teaching preschoolers the history and importance of the Christmas and Easter offerings.   WMU Product No. W098104 $10.99
	All About Annie Armstrong Do your preschoolers know about Annie Armstrong? This leaflet tells her story, explains the Easter offering, and carries ideas for missions projects.   WMU Product No. W118103 $1.49
	The Life of Annie Armstrong Introduce your church to Annie Armstrong and her legacy of missions through WMU in this short leaflet. Affordably priced for distribution to the entire congregation, this leaflet will help your church become aware of how the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering got its name. WMU Product No. W123105 $0.99
	The Story of Annie Armstrong    Annie Armstrong comes to life in this vivid account of her life as an early WMU leader, she worked tirelessly to grow a grassroots missions organization that thrives today.   WMU Product No. W043106 $10.99

Rescue the Perishing – Selected Correspondence of Annie Armstrong

by Keith Harper, associate professor of Church History at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

The most comprehensive collection of letters of one of the most influential women in American church history.