For weeks, I have resisted the urge to write you on this. But it has come as a strong burden, I no longer have a choice! Yes! Every Missionary is burdened. I am not talking about Christian and Non-governmental organizations posing as humanitarian agencies but servicing the stomach of a few. I am talking about Individuals, Churches, Agencies, Ministries, Groups and Non-governmental organizations that have left familiar grounds to answer the call of God. Those who have planted themselves in regions that others are fleeing, and are committed to the One who has sent them. I am talking about genuine servants of God; many of whom are hardly known or recognized.
Every Missionary is burdened! You cannot be a missionary and lead a normal life, little wonder, many do not dare venture into this choice-Call. The demands are high, the sacrifices are grievous, the perils are heavy, the scars are painful, but the glory ahead far outweighs the sufferings therein.
As a Missionary, you cannot think about an accommodation for yourself and family alone; you must think of a facility large enough to house others who will need a place to stay after they have accepted your Jesus on the field. A three bedroom flat can only be a starting point.
A Missionary cannot cater for only his children’s schooling; he better prepares to school the whole community or send many to schools in neighbouring communities where the facility is available. You must cater for those you have been sent to.
A Missionary cannot only pray for the sick. Even when they are healed, there will be need to engage Medical Practitioners – some of whom he will pay – for certain cases that need this attention. This is part of the love that Jesus approves of in Matt 25:44-45; “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me”
Every genuine Missionary is playing down on his needs, while rejoicing at every little achievement he or she gets in the work committed in their care. For instance, after a series of open-air crusades, there is news of massive harvest of souls and miracles; it may shock you that the person mightily used of God, does not have basic necessities back at home. Some Missionary families are baring burdens that have made their children abhor the word “Missions.” Stop equating the massive displays to personal wealth of a Missionary. Personal Finances and Ministry Funds are two different extremes to a Missionary who has learnt to be faithful to God.
If God has really called you into Missions, you will see money, it is only a matter of time. Some of it will come as test, others as proof that God supplies the needs of His people. Genuine Missionaries handle more money than the way they appear. This is not due to greed, it is a lifestyle they must lead. You cannot be busy on the field and live large. Missionaries prioritize the work and the needs of the flock above their personal needs.
Missionaries are one of the most Financially Intelligent people. From knowing how to make friends in foreign fields, then converting friends to supporters, raising and keeping partners without appearing beggarly; then being entrepreneurial and investment savvy; Missionaries undergo all kinds of training in order to stay ahead of the enemy – spiritually, physically and otherwise.
With these and much more saddled on Missionaries, you are not assured that the people you are sent to, will not try to mock you, or conspire against you or even attack you. The devil is always out, looking for room to attack, but we always have the victory in Christ Jesus. Missions exposes you to the terrors on the field. However, Missions also brings you into the realities of God’s protection as seen in Isa 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Some years back, one of my daughters called me up requesting for my account details, and that of other Missionaries. Someone she knew needed to send support. It was a huge relief for us because for months, this angel in human skin kept encouraging some of us. God bless them forever.
Is there a Missionary you know? Encourage them! Show up in person or send your support as a surprise. Their burden is not your business, but they are carrying burdens that are not theirs too. We are all here to carry one another’s; so, show up.
Pray for Missionaries. Show up on the field and give a helping hand. Send them resources and useful materials. You can even help to support their children’s school fees. Or, you can send financial support, one-time or monthly.
As I said earlier, I tried to restrain myself from sending you this note. It has come, work with it. I believe God is speaking to someone. God bless you!
