Surely We Can Do Better...

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus charged his disciples: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Message)

It’s been said that for the first time the Great Commission is doable in our generation. So, what’s the hold up?

SUPPORT.

Our missionaries are not receiving the support they need to fulfill the commission. The economy slump has not helped much either. This past year has been extremely difficult and many of our missionaries had to leave their posts to return to the United States to itinerate (fundraise) for their budgets. Sadly, our soldiers on the forefront aren’t being welcome with open arms. Yes, these are tough times indeed but inviting a missionary to your church is inviting them to share their story. Missionary Neil Lawrence says, “I have a burning desire for people to know about what God is doing in Kenya and sincerely feel they must be given an opportunity to support the harvest. Though some have expressed surprise at our required ‘job’ of itinerating and view it as ‘begging’, I never think about it this way. Instead, I view this aspect of our work as a ministry and know that it is really God who provides for us.”

The bottom line is this: missionaries come from our churches, our cities and from amongst our people. It is our responsibility to support the work they do. You’re probably thinking “I don’t have the finances to help keep our missionaries on the field”. That’s quite okay. Financial support is just one facet of missionary support. Our missionaries need your prayers. They need your encouragement. A little card in the mail or an email just to let them know you’re thinking about them speaks volumes. Offer to fix a meal for a visiting missionary, or to babysit their children for an evening. Give them a CD or a small gift.

These are OUR missionaries sharing the good news in places we may never see … lets take care of them however we can.

~Veryll Doorasamy-Bowe