Get ready to engage all your senses at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, June 9-12. The International Mission Board and Woman’s Missionary Union invite convention attendees to see, smell, touch and hear their way through the life of Lottie Moon, a Baptist missionary to China who served from 1873-1912.
The two entities teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that not only teaches Baptist history but puts a personal spin on missions. Miranda McLaughlin, IMB’s senior director of training development, said rather than just show the typical video in the exhibition hall, their team created activities for all ages about the woman whom the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® was named after.
“There will be no standing around at this booth, waiting in line to fill your goody bag,” McLaughlin said with a laugh. “I’m not going to ruin the surprise by giving everything away but let me just say, you will be moving and active. You will participate in Lottie Moon’s story. You will see yourself in her story.
“And,” McLaughlin added excitedly, “we have a kit that will help you recreate this experience at your church, no matter the size or budget. We want you to take this idea and use it in your context.”
This joint educational project took root when IMB noticed many new missionaries didn’t know much about their Southern Baptist missions heritage. They didn’t know why the annual international missions offering was named after Lottie Moon. Many were either somewhat new to Southern Baptists or didn’t grow up in a church that offered missions education, like Kids on Mission, Girls in Action or Royal Ambassadors. McLaughlin said the training team wanted a fun and creative way to teach this missing component, so they went to one of the leaders in Southern Baptist missions education, WMU, and asked for help.
Kristi Carr, WMU senior hub manager, said the creation of this Lottie Moon Experience has been a true partnership. They researched deeper, pulling things from archives, to present something historically accurate while also being applicable to today’s Christian.
“I am confident whether you are a lifelong Southern Baptist or new to a Southern Baptist church, you will leave with a new insight about Lottie Moon and how the Lord used her in China and beyond,” Carr said. “You’ll see the greatest aspect of this legacy isn’t really about Lottie Moon but how God used her…and how God can use you.”
The Lottie Moon Experience will be active when the SBC exhibition hall is open to the public: June 9 – 3-7 p.m.; June 10-11 – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; June 12 – 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Repeat visitors are encouraged with new giveaways each day.
