Missions in Motion: Georgia Baptists unite in prayer and giving

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Every September, Georgia Baptist churches unite to pray and generously give to a missions offering dedicated to making a gospel difference across the state. This year’s theme for the Georgia Baptist State Missions Offering is Missions in Motion and highlights the gospel-centered impact taking place across Georgia as believers step into their communities to build relationships and meet tangible needs.

Through generous donations to the Missions Offering, Mission Georgia is able to reach the state in significant ways, from supporting Disaster Relief teams serving after Hurricane Helene to the mobile health ministry reaching underserved neighbors, and literacy programs transforming classrooms.

Churches are invited to join in prayer, giving, and action for this ongoing work. A seven-day prayer guide encourages believers to focus daily on different areas of ministry across the state.

“The special focus for prayer and giving during the Georgia Baptist State Missions Offering emphasis is the catalyst for ministries that take place throughout the year,” said Beth Ann Williams, lead strategist for Georgia Baptist Women/Mission Georgia. “It is an opportunity for Georgia Baptists to understand how to pray specifically, give sacrificially and serve practically as we work together to share the hope of Jesus in our communities. The theme Missions in Motion is an incredible reminder that we are a part of God’s plan to reach all people.  The gospel message is meant to move from one person to another!  Mission Georgia is keeping Missions in Motion across our great state.”

On the first day, the focus is on first responders. Recently, Georgia Baptist women gathered in Augusta to fill and distribute 1,000 gift bags containing snacks, gift cards, and handwritten thank-you notes to police, EMS, and fire personnel. Each bag also included Mission Georgia’s gospel tract specifically geared towards first responders, You Know What It Means to Put Your Life on the Line. Jennifer, a participant from Abilene Baptist Church, said, “Our community lost a police officer and had another seriously injured. I gave my gift bag to a Georgia State Patrol officer who was on duty that night, routing traffic during the incident. He was very appreciative.”

The second day centers on the Baptist Mobile Health Ministry, which last year provided services to nearly 1,500 underserved Georgians. With the participation of hundreds of volunteers and medical professionals, these mobile clinics offer dental and health care and open the door to gospel conversations. More than 130 people made professions of faith as a result.

Day three highlights the Read Georgia initiative. In partnership with local schools, churches such as First Baptist Statesboro provided one-on-one reading support to children. Dozens of tutors and volunteers helped students grow in literacy, with one child improving by three grade levels. A celebration at the end of the year included Bibles, books, and a gospel presentation. One of the classroom teachers who assessed the Read Georgia said, “These ladies and gentlemen were the hands and feet of Jesus. They brought so much joy to my students just by walking in and being interested in them. They showed up and made a life-changing difference.”

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, day four turns attention to outreach opportunities connected to the tournament. With Atlanta selected one of 16 host cities, Mission Georgia is equipping churches to use the global event for evangelism through watch parties, soccer camps, and neighborhood gatherings.

On day five, prayer focuses on addiction recovery ministries. Through One Way Ministries at First Baptist Jonesboro and other partners, Mission Georgia is equipping churches to help those battling addiction. “In order to see lasting change in the lives of those bound by addiction, we need more churches engaged. Georgia Baptists through Mission Georgia play a vital role in helping churches across our state to meet this urgent need.” said Richie Howard of One Way Ministries. “Too often men and women struggling with addiction are left with only self-help groups. What they truly need is not just management of their addiction, but total freedom through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.”

The sixth day introduces a new initiative: Mission Georgia Builders. Beginning in November 2025, volunteers will help churches with construction projects, from renovations to landscaping. More than just building structures, these teams will be building relationships and opening doors to share Christ.

On the final day, the spotlight turns to foster care ministries. Through the S.A.F.E. (Supporting Adoptive, Foster and Extended Families) Church Initiative, Mission Georgia is training churches to become places of healing and hope for vulnerable children and their caregivers. “Mission Georgia is working to help churches create a culture of safety, trust, and gospel-centered discipleship in every ministry setting,” said Jodie Marsh, Foster Care Mobilizer for Mission Georgia.

To support this important season, Georgia Baptist churches can access free promotional and prayer resources through 3in1missions.org. Materials include posters, offering envelopes, videos, and the 7-Day Prayer Guide.

This September, Georgia Baptists are once again invited to pray, give, and act. By supporting the Georgia Baptist State Missions Offering, churches can partner with Mission Georgia to make an eternal difference throughout the state.

Williams is grateful for the partnership of Georgia Baptists who give, volunteer, and pray to make Mission Georgia successful. “Thank you, Georgia Baptists, for your generosity as we work together to provide gospel-centered impact in every community,” she said.