Celebrating Annie Armstrong

May 21, 2026

BRIGHT-FM

Some people talk about faith. Annie Armstrong lived it, and her life became a mission that still echoes today.

Born in Baltimore in 1850, Annie Armstrong gave her life to Christ at 19, baptized at a small church just off Paca Street. From there, her faith quickly moved into action. She taught Sunday school, cared for the poor, the marginalized, and anyone who needed help in her city.

Annie was smart, strong, and deeply committed to Jesus. In a world where women were often expected to stay silent, Annie raised her voice not for fame or power, but for the sake of the gospel. She was once described as a tall, stately, outspoken, and strong-willed leader, and she used every ounce of that strength to encourage others to join the work of sharing Christ.

Annie had a burden for missionaries, those sent to tell others about Jesus. She wanted to rally churches to support them through prayer, giving, and personal involvement. She traveled thousands of miles, often at her own expense, and in one year alone wrote over 18,000 letters, each one a personal call to action.

She refused to take a salary. She worked long hours and believed that if ordinary believers did their part, together they could send the hope of Jesus farther than any one person could alone.

In 1888, Annie helped launch what would become the Woman’s Missionary Union, an organization that continues to mobilize and support missionaries around the world. Because of Annie’s passion, today churches across North America collect the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering every spring. More than two billion dollars have been raised so far, directly supporting over 3,000 missionaries in North America, just like Annie did more than a century ago.

Annie Armstrong didn’t just talk about missions. She mobilized them. And through her legacy, her faith is still moving hearts and reaching lives today.

Join us this month, on-air and online, during Christian Heritage Month on BRIGHT-FM as we journey through history and celebrate the rich legacy of those who answered God’s call.