by Terry Barone

FRESNO - The California Mission Offering is a vital resource for reaching the lost in California, according to a missions leader and elected officer.

California Southern Baptist Convention President Tom Stringfellow believes CMO is crucial to reaching the millions of unchurched persons in the Golden State.

"The opportunity in September (CMO emphasis month) 2006 is as great, if not greater, than ever before to impact the most populous state in the nation with the message of Jesus Christ," Stringfellow declared. "CMO is one way for California Southern Baptists to do that."

Now serving his second term as president, Stringfellow remains a staunch believer in California missions. "As president, I've been all over this state and have had the opportunity to see mission gifts at work. It is marvelous to see what God can accomplish when a group of people partner to pray, go and give so that He might be lifted up."

The pastor of First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills doesn't believe the residents of California will be won to the Lord "all at once," but said the task can be accomplished through consistent evangelization and ministry projects.

The theme for 2006 is "Reaching California: Step by Step" and intimates that California Southern Baptists can reach the rich, culturally diverse population of the state through unfailing evangelism and ministry.

Mike McCullough, CSBC missions advancement group leader, said "the goal can be met and California Southern Baptists can impact our state if we step into our communities and confidently proclaim our Lord and Savior."

McCullough, who also serves as liaison with the CSBC Executive Board strategic ministries committee, which recommends the goal annually, echoed Stringfellow's sentiment that California can be reached by stepping in to assist churches, into hurting communities, into unchurched neighborhoods and into associational partnerships.

The goal for 2006 is $1.34 million, a slight increase over the $1.33 million goal set for 2005 when Stringfellow challenged California Southern Baptists to give boldly.

"The wonderful thing about CMO is gifts from church members all across our state will be gathered and then sent back across California for ministry," Stringfellow said.

"I think one of the most exciting things is seeing the results of our giving," he noted. "We've been able to start churches, partner with associations in a variety of ways, assist churches to become healthy and vibrant, and participate in community, migrant, resort and literacy ministry projects. The bottom line to all of these ministries and many more is evangelism."

Stringfellow believes gifts to purchase the CSBC Mobile Medical Clinic may the most "visible and tangible result of last year's offering." He said the clinic is fully operational and by the end of August will have been used at more than 50 locations.

"The mobile clinic has provided a resource for effective evangelism throughout the state," Stringfellow said. "By the end of August, we will have shared the gospel with thousands of individuals who have visited the clinic for medical or dental care."

Stringfellow is optimistic about reaching the goal. "I honestly believe we can do it," he said. "I'm praying there will be no hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or other disasters that might divert our attention from giving to California missions.

"Even in times of disaster, California Southern Baptists have given generously to CMO ministries while giving a combined $1.5 million for disaster relief," he said, referring to the fact that the most ever given to CMO was in 2001 (9/11) and 2005 (Hurricane Katrina).

Stringfellow urged mission leaders to look for CMO resource packets mailed to each church in August, and to visit www.calmissions.com.