Louisville— Bent on getting the gospel to the nations, Kentucky Baptists have given more than $11 million to support missionaries through the Cooperative Program over the past six months.

That’s more than $400,000 ahead of budget projections, according to the latest financial report from the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

“I thank God for the generosity of Kentucky Baptists and their willingness to give sacrificially to ensure that people all over the world are hearing the good news that Jesus saves,” said Paul Chitwood, executive-director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. “This is fantastic news that puts us on sound financial footing as we approach the second half of our fiscal year.”

Some 2,400 churches across Kentucky contribute through the Cooperative Program, the primary means for 750,000 Kentucky Baptists to pay for spreading the gospel around the world.

The latest financial report shows the state’s churches gave $1,821,178 in February. That was up by more than $200,000 over February 2015, which contributions totaled $1,612,957.

The overall total for the past six months is $11,069,973, which is $444,973 above budget projections and $136,593 above the first six months of last year.

The churches also have given more than $1 million over the past six months for state missions through the Eliza Broadus offering and more than $4.4 million for international missions through the Lottie Moon offering. The Annie Armstrong offering stands at more than $300,000.

Lowell Ashby, head of the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Finance and Business Services Team, said contributions over the past six months are more than 4 percent ahead of budget projections.

“This level of generosity puts us in a position to do so much more for the cause of Christ,” Ashby said. “We are thrilled Kentucky Baptists are continuing their support of local, national and international missions by increasing their support through the Cooperative Program and all our mission offerings.” (KBC)