DALLAS  Amid a $44 million building campaign, the congregation at First Baptist Church Dallas managed to kick in a record-setting $1.16 million contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.
According to Baptist Press, the 25,000-member church nearly tripled the largest previous contribution of $400,000. The gift was nearly five times the $240,000 the church contributed last year.
Mac Brunson, First Baptist's pastor, and his wife, Debbie, and International Mission Board trustee, made the announcement in late December via a videotaped message. Brunson and his family were leading a mission trip to Beirut, Lebanon.
IMB President Jerry Rankin filled the pulpit in Brunson's absence.
"I'm supposed to preach after that?" Rankin asked after stepping to the pulpit.
The IMB challenged some of the larger Southern Baptist churches to give $500,000 this year. However, Rankin said he never expected this type of response.
"Talk about being blown away and overwhelmed," Rankin said. "It's more than I can even comment on. This is just awesome. I think it reflects the heart that First Baptist Dallas has for missions."
