Fast Break -> this is a topic that supposed to be discussed through the course of time, but because of the need, we “fast break” to this topic.
One of the struggles of a missionary is to ask for mission partners especially in the area of finances. It seems it is difficult to talk to someone and request for partnership with them thinking they are begging for money… This is a wrong mindset! Did you know that with this mindset, it shows pride? Missionaries are not begging for money, they are giving these people the opportunity to be a blessing to the work of God.
I would like to share to you the letter of Apostle Paul to the Philippians church (Philippians 4):
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Our God is our provider, we can do everything through Him who gives us strength. As missionaries, there are times we are in need, they are times we have plenty. This is what we should learn: to be content whatever the circumstances.
Apostle Paul mentioned it was good for the Philippians church to share in his troubles. The same thing with us (missionaries), it was good for someone to be part of God’s call to our life, not that we are looking for a gift, but we are looking for what may be credited to their account (for them to receive blessings that come from giving, CEV). These are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And through this giving and generosity, God will meet all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
As a missionary, do you want these people to be a blessing to the nation and reap blessings from God? Do you want to be a channel of blessing not only to the country that you are going but also to the people around you?
Start to pray now. Ask God for the people He pre-ordained to partner with you. Don’t be ashamed to inform them and share to them your vision about missions. Don’t think you are begging, think that you are giving them opportunity to be a blessing to the nation and for them to also reap blessings from God.
All of these to bring glory to our God forever and ever.