Associational Missions Emphasis Week is observed each year in May on the SBC calendar. For many, the week goes by with little notice. But from May 21-28, 2018, I would encourage you to take note of your Baptist Association.

Start with the basics. Do you know the name of your association? Where is the office located? Who is the director of missions and/or moderator? Calls to the Kentucky WMU office let us know that many Kentucky Baptists do not know even these simple things about their association.

Notch it up. What ministries does your association sponsor? What are the churches of your association doing together to proclaim the gospel?

Finally, research how the Eliza Broadus Offering is making an impact in your association. Every Kentucky Baptist Association received $500 in February to be used for missions in the association. Find out how your association will be using the EBO grant this year.

In addition to association grants, ministries across Kentucky received grants totaling $100,000. Did a ministry in your association receive a grant? Check out the list of ministries (listed by association) at kywmu.org/ebogrants.

If a ministry in your association received a grant, contact the ministry to learn more. What does this ministry do to share Christ? What supplies do they need? How can volunteers help? You can also review the list of ministries for ideas. Is there a ministry listed that is needed in your area? Contact the ministry to learn more and how to get started. Consider an in-state associational partnership to support Kentucky missions.

As a child, my mother was the associational GA director in Mobile, Ala. My father served as moderator. I remember going to the associational office with them. I also went to a camp sponsored by my association. I learned at an early age that when Baptist churches cooperate through associations, stronger ministries are possible.

Just recently I talked with an associational WMU director about their week of ministry last summer. A lady in her 80s accepted Christ because churches in the association were working together doing home repairs.

The Eliza Broadus Offering provides funding for church planting, evangelism, collegiate ministry, state missionaries, and for associations. Join us in supporting Kentucky missions with a gift to EBO. You can give any time by going to kywmu.org/ebo and clicking the Give Now button.