"As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country." (Proverbs 25:25)
Missions is for every believer. Some will be called to do the frontline work in reaching the lost. Some are called to support them. For the task to be completed successfully, effective teamwork is essential. Sadly, the role of sending and supporting those who have been sent is sometimes either overlooked or given insufficient priority. This can result in unnecessary pressures being borne by those sent and sometimes means they return home as 'wounded soldiers' or casualties.
During the war in Iraq, I remember hearing a news article highlighting that essential supplies were not getting through to British soldiers in time. Britain's troops were less well provided for than those of other countries and acquired the nickname "The Borrowers" because they had to borrow so much from their American colleagues. Sometimes, what was supplied was inadequate and they ended up having to buy some basic supplies by themselves. In one case, it was reported that inadequate supplies led to the loss of life.
I wish it wasn't the case, but having spent several years on the overseas mission field, I see that the similarities with those involved in Christian missions are only too apparent. If our enemy, the devil, can ensure that those sent are inadequately supported, forcing them to be preoccupied or distracted with trying to cover their own basic needs rather than being focused on the task at hand, or even having to return home, then he will have succeeded in hindering the work that God wants done. Those on the 'frontlines' cannot accomplish the task without a team committed to support them in prayer, finances, and other practical and tangible support, including regular communication and encouragement.
If you or your church are involved with missionaries here or overseas, please do all that you can to ensure they are well equipped and supported. Bless them with more than they expected; increase their finances; make a visit; send some of their favourite goodies regularly; set up a support group. As the sent ones and their supporters both do their part, the Kingdom will be advanced and the Great Commission will be outworked. Go on...mollycoddle 'em! (SMS)
SERVING AS SENDERS: HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MISSIONARIES Book by Neal Pirolo; OM Publishing £4.99
Do you want to know how you can better support those whom God has sent onto 'the front lines'? This excellent book is directed at those whose team role is to get behind and support in different ways those serving either overseas or in their 'passport countries' in world mission ministry. Whilst this book is focused on supporting missionaries serving overseas, the same principles of support apply to those working cross-culturally on their own home turf.
