Should You Choose To Accept...

Over the past year or so, some friends of mine have stepped out of youth ministry and have begun preparing for the mission field. There's so much that comes to mind when you think about one taking such steps.

Naturally, the spirit of the word mission, conjures up images of risk and danger, of high stakes and perhaps high reward. You think of unfamiliar terrain and surroundings; environments, that were it not for this assignment, you might not find yourself in otherwise. You think of sacrifice and what it might cost. Who you might lose along the way. Excited about what you'll be apart; yet aware of what you'll be missing.

These friends have recently started writing a series of notes, titled "Dear Pastor" and posting them to social media. The one they just posted a few days ago highlights the aforementioned images. It was an honest look at the emotions of missionaries. Six short statements of what scares missionaries, that pastors themselves often don't know.

- learning new language
- for their kids and how the change will affect them
- not fitting in
- creating a mess with the church organization
- leaving family and tragedy occurs in their absence
- selling possessions and relying on support

Sounds exactly like what anyone would feel would handed a "mission". The thought process; the emotions, the mental tenacity, the will to proceed. Sure it's exciting. It's also incredibly daunting. And it's times like these that loneliness and fear can set it, simply because not many people can relate. The struggle is real and the what if scenarios do play out.

Fall-outs with the organized church body happen. Financial support dwindles. Kids respond negatively and perhaps for a long-time. Tragedy strikes in their absence and they are unable to return to deal with the matter.

These are times, when just like pastors, missionaries need incredibly strong friendships. To stand by them. To pray with them. To talk with them and more importantly, listen to their stories and fears.

Accepting a mission by God is not for the faint of heart.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that God would gird up missionaries, whether they've been on the field 20 years or 20 hrs. May the be strengthened and encouraged by the power of His might. May they stand on the promises of God  that yes and amen to them that believe. Pray for rejuvenation and refreshing of their spirits as they continue to work for the advancement of the Gospel of Christ. May faith rise in response to fear and their trust in God would be fortified. Pray for safety for their families; protection for the hearts and minds of their children, wisdom in decisions; provision of finances. Pray for a surrounding of friends, to come along side in whatever ways they can, that missionaries can keep the faith, continue the good work God has begun in them, in order that they may not burn out, but finish strong.

Focus and faithful.
Casting all cares to God
Unhindered in their mission.
For the glory of God
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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