Who was Mary Hill Davis?
Mary Hill Davis lived from 1860 to 1934. She was integral to the growth of missions within the state of Texas. This began with helping found Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action. The two groups for children learning about God and His call on each of us into the mission field. She went beyond children and encouraged the Women’s Ministry Union (WMU), where she served as secretary and eventually president from 1906-1931, to support older students up and into college age. She was a gigantic proponent of the local mission field; this led to the organization of a State Missions Week in 1910. After her death in 1935, WMU was renamed this September giving opportunity the Mary Hill Davis Offering.
Why do we give?
First, we give because it’s a reasonable act of service to help spread the gospel. Secondly, to reach the lost citizens of Texas requires bibles, informational material, and many man-hours. Funds are needed to keep these ministries going. To keep them active, our hearts and pocketbooks must be open with an obedient spirit. Like in the Matthew West song, we shake our fists at heaven, asking God to do something about a lost and dying world. Then God says, “I did; I created you.” If we do not give, then the goals of those ministering are much more difficult to accomplish. Our gifts enable workers to evangelize to more people more effectively.
What does it go to?
The Texas mission field is vast. The offering that is received from you and me goes to a variety of different ministries. The list changes from year to year. However, the focus always remains the same; to reach lost and hurting souls. The main goal is to equip people to serve; this comes through training and expenses. And it is our privilege to be able to assist with funding these ministries.
S.A.L.T. is the acronym used by the mission board to differentiate the different focus areas that are funded.
Serve missions. Funds are distributed to assist with disaster relief, such as victims of Hurricane Harvey last year. Also, to provide expenses involved with hosting venues for outreaches in local communities.
Advance Missions-Equipping. Helps provide the means for those called to service. This comes through grants and scholarships for training to those going into the mission field. Also includes help training chaplains in their field, be it a private or state-funded institution.
Love the Least of These. Ministries reaching out to those who have dealt with issues such as human trafficking, homelessness, and imprisonment. This also is the arm that helps with building or rebuilding of churches or the homes of veterans, disabled, and single moms.
Tell Ministries. Ministries that help equip local missionaries to spread the gospel. From training to materials to housing and travel. Also included is funding for outreach events for school campuses to build relationships with students.
As you can see, the money that is given is well used for the advancement of His kingdom. The theme this year is “I Am Texas Missions.” It comes from a verse in the book of Matthew. ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
Our church ingathering will be held on Sunday, October 2. Our church goal is $1000. Begin to pray today about what the Lord will have you give.
You can get more information from the WMU website.
Moments for the Heart 