First Baptist not only directly ministers to those in need but also supports the ministry of others in many ways, from the local level to the global. One specific resource for this ministry is our Lula Whilden World Missions Offering, which supports the field missionary work of our denominational affiliates, as well as of specific missions personnel. Its namesake, Lula Whilden, was a member of FBG who was appointed by the Foreign Mission Board as a missionary to China in 1872. She worked there until 1914, serving in several ministries, including opening a school for blind girls. We honor both her courageous work and her distinction of being the first single woman appointed as a career missionary by the Foreign Mission Board.
In addition, one of the affiliate offerings that is supported by the Lula Whilden funds, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina’s Offering for State Missions, is named for Beverly Greer. Beverly is a current member of First Baptist who previously worked as Missions Coordinator for the CBF of SC.
Donations to the Lula Whilden World Missions Offering may be made by designating “Lula Whilden” on your check or offering envelope, or by donating online at https://onrealm.org/firstbaptistgreenville/-/form/give/now and selecting the Lula Whilden option from the dropdown. Your generous gifts will be used by the following partners to show love and support to those for whom Jesus calls us to care:
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s (CBF) “Offering for Global Missions”—https://cbf.net/global-missions
Specific CBF Field Personnel: Jonathan Bailey, Carson and Laura Foushee, and Tina Boyles Bailey—https://cbf.net/field-personnel
The Alliance of Baptist’s (AOB) “Active Hope Partners”—https://allianceofbaptists.org/partners/
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina’s (CBFSC) “Beverly Greer Offering for State Missions”—https://cbfsc.org/missions/beverly-greer-offering/
Amani Sasa’s ministry to refugee families in Uganda—https://www.amanisasa.org
—Matt Rollins, Minister of Community Engagement