There is an interesting convergence taking place this month. First, the 2016 Kentucky state missions theme of “Be Ready-Live Ready” and the national WMU 2016-18 theme, “By All Means,” are like opposite sides of the same coin. In addition, the second national showing of the movie “The Insanity of God” took place on Sept. 13, and the LifeWay Explore the Bible series for this quarter is focused on a study of 1 & 2 Peter, letters written to encourage believers facing persecution.

The words of Peter are still a clarion call to believers today: But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:14-15 HCSB).

There is no doubt that these are troubling days in our nation and world. Yet, we must always be ready to share the gospel by all means. We must live in such a way that people want to know why we have hope when things seem hopeless. We must live ready to share the Answer to hopelessness—Jesus.

Our national WMU president, Linda Cooper, is always ready to share the gospel. As a dental hygienist in Bowling Green, she laughs about having a captive audience and sharp instruments. But the reality is that she is known for the hope within, and people seek her out to share prayer requests.

She tells the story of getting on a plane and a man noticed her smile and said, “Why are you so happy?” Her reply was, “Let me tell you about my Jesus.”

This month we invite you to learn about Kentucky missions. There are videos and a Master Article on the web at kywmu.org/ebo. There you will find links to materials which will help you know how to pray for missions in Kentucky. These resources will inspire you to give sacrificially to the Eliza Broadus Offering in support of ministries through our state Baptist convention and across the state. Our state offering goal is $1,250,000.

Be Ready-Live Ready. It’s more than a slogan. It’s a lifestyle!

Joy Bolton is executive director-treasurer of Kentucky Woman�s Missionary Union, P.O. Box 436569, Louisville, KY 40253; (502) 489-3534; kywmu.org