Help The Going

I got to thinking yesterday (dangerous, I know, right?) that we've devoted Thursdays to praying for deacons and church operations... more of a "behind-the-scenes" emphasis as we look to pray and encourage pastors. Then we pray for missionaries, but not the people behind the scenes of their ministries.

It is no longer selling everything you own and getting on a plane now, neither.

There is major prep work that goes into the process.

It these difficult socio-political times, they have to find a "point-of-entry"... like my friends whose focus of missionary work is caring for children. There's raising a budget and funds for the work. There's learning, of language and culture. There's curriculum and other resources to prepare, as some are going to places where the Bible has yet to be presented in the native language. And the list goes on and on.

Yet, if their aren't people to aid in the process; if the funds aren't available to produce the materials and support the sending and sustaining of missionaries and their families; if churches aren't coming along side and partnering with them in prayer and support...

I'm not saying God can't still accomplish the miraculous through anyone who simply packs and goes, for surely He can. Have we over-complicated the process? Perhaps. Has the support throughout the process though, hopefully helped overcome the fear and stigma that prevent people from stepping on to the mission field in the first place? Probably.

Either way, 400-500 missionaries leave the mission field annually, for the same reasons pastors are leaving the pulpit 3x as fast every month. Burnout. The work is great and the workers few.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, the Lord of the Harvest would send laborers. Pray God would raise up those who would help in the process of sending missionaries, in training and support and resources. Pray God would raise up more who would give to the cause, through their prayers and finances. As churches are struggling to meet and extend their financial support to the work of missions, may God do a work in those congregations to step out in faith and commit to the advancement of the Gospel globally. And pray that even this hour, that God would encourage missionaries who are frustrated and stressed by the work and the challenges they face. Pray for those going through the process, preparing to step on to the field for the first time, wondering what in the world they are doing. May God be their strength and guidance as they work towards the calling He has placed up their hearts and lives. Pray an anointing and a grace of their lives and homes.

Until the whole world hears,
The Good News
Of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the glory of God our Father.

- PNC

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