MISSIONARIES ARE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS SENT ABROAD TO SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Who says the Bible does not instruct missionaries for Jesus Christ on how to perform their ministerial duties for Him.  Well, I’m here to tell you it does!  But first, I want to share with you how God directed my efforts as an international missionary to solicit financial contributions from ordinary people in an informative, sincere, accountable and rewarding way.

When I heard the Call to missions, I did not immediately answer it because I stopped to count the cost.  I began to make all kinds of excuses to God on why I just could not give him a positive response at that time.  But one evening, my spirit was nudged a second time by the Holy Spirit to be obedient and to accept missions as my calling. I had just returned from a church sponsored mission trip to Zambia.  My memories of the poverty, the people’s quest for god-knowledge, their love of sharing their meager possessions and their faces of hope tugged at my heart strings.  I had no other choice but to cry out, ‘Lord, I yield, I yield.  I surrender myself to Thee!’

Shortly thereafter, I heard the Lord say in a conversation with me, “My dear child, for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”.  Mark 10:45

Well, needless to say, I jumped in with both feet.  I purposed in my heart to go forth once a year to every nation carrying the gospel. My intentions were good, my message was god-centered, my guides, organizations and fellow travelers were all men and women of faith in God.

I was led by the Holy Spirit to sell my laundry mat establishment, relocate to a new city, join a new church, volunteer for international mission-orientated organizations, enroll in a few international missionary courses and began working as an all around card-carrying volunteer in my calling.  All went well for about 8 years. Then something happened.  My expense money began to run out.  Each previously annual mission trip abroad had cost me in excess of $5,000.

Fear struck me.  I became aware that I would not be able to keep my promise to God on a retiree’s budget.  I agonized over the situation.  I prayed and read my Bible for solace.  Never the less, I was still forlorn and troubled.  Then once again God conversed with me on the subject and reminded me of several scriptures: “As (you) go forth to proclaim (My) salvation day after day to the nations…(you) cannot become weary.” Paraphrased from Psalm 96:1-3.  And again; “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”  Psalm 121:8.  And again;  “But God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19.

So, I became creative in my quest to continue my work for the Lord and my efforts took wings.  I received God’s messages and re-committed myself to His calling on my life..

Now, here is a message the scriptures have for you, found in 2nd Corinthians 8:10-15:  We should give our (time, talents and money) out of a sense of stewardship and not ownership.  As stated in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  God requires us to give according to what you can afford to help relieve the suffering of the less fortunate.  In other words, God does not put you on a guilt trip.  He does not intend for you to become one of the ‘needy’ merely because you have over extended yourself in your desire to please Him.

Below is a sample of a Newsletter I sent out requesting financial support for an overseas mission trip. You will notice it begins by my thanking those for past support and it ends with exciting information on where in the world I will be going next.

Good evening, dear friends and prayer partners, who have in the past shown me considerable kindness and generous support as I continue walking in His grace and mercy while striving to live out my sincere promise to minister to the abandon and homeless children in orphan homes around the world.

As you may know, with the Lord on my side, I have been faithful in my duties to walk worthy and to seek an understanding in the ways of our Lord as He ministers to the lost and forsaken through persons like me and others who volunteer their time, talent and services.

As I review my travel exploits through the eyes of Jesus, I have learned that it does not matter if the country we visit does or does not practices Christianity, because God always supernaturally shows up in various ways.

(Here is where I describe my last mission trip with photos and interesting happenings.)

In closing this latest Newsletter, I would like to share with you where and when my next short mission trip will take me.  God willing, on (date) I, along with other missionaries will be traveling to (name country) for 15 days.  Because this country is not a Christian nation, we will be teaching English as a second language, supplying clothing, shoes, medicines, gifts for caregivers and officials and personal hygiene supplies   The flight will be long and the finances required for this mission voyage is well over $5,000.  With God’s provisions, the balance I owe is only ($___).  This balance is due within the next few weeks.

If you are so inclined to assist me financially on this worthwhile mission journey, please use the enclosed self addressed envelope as the Lord directs you.  Please make your tax deductible check donation payable to the organization on the return envelope and write my name and trip number in the memo line.  You can also text me of your action so that I can follow up with the organization and make sure you get your receipt and I get credit.  

Thank you for your prayers for peace in this world and your generous contribution in the service of the Lord.

This has been an informative blog for all those persons contemplating serving the Lord in the mission field whether at home or abroad.  I loved performing mission duties but now I mostly serve here in the states due to aging.  Please lift me up in prayer so that I may be on the battle field for the Lord until traveling days are over.  Amen!

Scripture Lesson:  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  I Peter 4:10

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