Why did God give us such profound insight on Bible prophecy? What are we supposed to do with what we know? We could just sit back, watch prophecy unfold, and congratulate ourselves on our superior discernment. Or we could develop a strategic plan in anticipation of the future.

Part of the Adventist Church’s strategic plan is to build lines of communication with the thought leaders of our nation, and to effectively communicate the principles of religious freedom. In this way, we anticipate the mark of the beast, and provide an antidote. If our leaders understand that the gospel is about righteousness by faith, not force, and that God does not compel worship, they will see the folly of legislating religious beliefs and observances.

This is where Liberty magazine comes in. Every year, the church collects an offering in January to send Liberty to our nation’s political leaders, judges, clergy, educators, journalists and other thought leaders. Currently, about 200,000 copies are distributed six times a year. Frankly, this is pitiful. If we really took our mission seriously, we would have to send out at least 10 times this number.

This is where you come in. In the five states of the Pacific Union, the annual religious liberty offering amounts to about 75 cents for every “on-the-books” member. You can do the math. If your church is 400 strong, on the books, a typical annual offering is about $300. After much prayer, I have been impressed to issue this challenge: to set a goal of increasing this 10 times over the next few years. In order to achieve this goal, I am urging every church to double their offering every year until the goal is reached.

Although the annual offering is collected on the fourth Sabbath in January, church members ought to be encouraged to continue giving in support of religious liberty all through the year. What should you do if you want your church to participate in this challenge? First, obtain the approval of your church board. Second, we will maintain a list of participating churches on our website, so let us know you’re on board. Third, let us know about your efforts, whether successful or not. We want to learn from one another. E-mail mrliberty@churchstate.org or call 805-413-7398.

By the way, we know that churches are capable of raising several thousand dollars for the Liberty offering on a consistent basis, because a few churches have been doing just that. There’s no reason why we all can’t catch the vision if we respond to the moving of God’s spirit among us.