During the fall season each year at Crossroads, we take time to highlight our missionary partners and the people we are involved with around the world. It is important to keep this area of ministry visible in our church. However, we don’t just want people thinking about missions in October. We hope that you’ll be involved in missions and outreach year-round. So here are three ways you can keep involved in missions.
Enquire about one missionary cause. The world of missions encompasses many different ways that people can go out and share the gospel. Despite the advances of technology in our world, we still need individuals who are willing to leave their home, cross boundaries and go share the message of Jesus. Sometimes it is done directly in preaching and teaching. Sometimes it is a support role to national churches. Sometimes it is giving a cup of water in the name of the Lord. Don’t let missions become vague, but pick a ministry or missionary that is of interest to you and learn more about what they do and why. Learn what life is like for those who are serving. What missionary or ministry would you like to know more about?
Pray for one missionary cause. There are many people in your life that need prayer, include a missionary or ministry that is doing God’s work. Many of these people or organizations would be happy to send you regular prayer updates. This will expand your world and help you step outside the many ‘first-world problems’ that we so often obsess over. We can’t pray for all missionaries, but there should be at least one missions cause that you regularly take up before God in prayer. Whose prayer list are you receiving?
Support one missionary cause. In addition to giving to the church, you can stretch out and financially support a missionary cause directly. You may want to sponsor a child through Compassion, or provide humanitarian assistance through Partners Relief and Development, or even support a missionary family working with Wycliffe Bible Translators. The point is, when you become a regular financial supporter, your heart is drawn towards that ministry and you gain a whole new worldview. Which missionary or ministry are you supporting?
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)