Sorry folks, I fell behind in my blogging so I am picking up on Day 9 of the 30 days of prayer. I really liked this entry that Naomi and Zach put together, because so often while I was raising support and even now when I encounter people there is often confusion as to what a missionary is, and why I am here in Rome of all places. If you have been following along on La Fontana the past few days without me then you have already encountered the statistics proving the need for missionaries in Europe and in Rome. But day 9 looks at what else is needed, supporters. Those who do not feel called to GO but who have the ability to send; through their prayers, finances and creativity.
Like I have said before I am truly blessed with supporters in all three of these categories and I know that I could not be here without their backing!
Taken From La Fontana Zach and Naomi's blog.
Verse of the day: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Reading of the day: Acts 4:18-35 (we cannot keep silent about what we have seen and heard)
Thoughts for the prayer of the day: The disconnect with missions and the Church is often due to a miscommunication of the agenda. Missionaries do not get “sent” to go do their work alone. They are “commissioned” by a local church, a phrase that carries a very specific meaning. The definition of a commissioning involves someone being sent as an ambassador to do work by proxy. The missionaries who go, therefore, are going on behalf of an entire group of people who are instrumental to and united in the work being done.
Not all can physically “go.” Not all are called to physically go. So what is their role in this whole thing?
Goers – Missionaries who go on behalf of the Body of Christ
Senders – Those who support the missionaries through finances, logistics, prayers, helping, educating, caring, and otherwise encouraging.
Prayers – Those with the specific gift of intercessory prayer and the ability to persist over time and continually address specific needs while staying in contact with the missionaries. Missionaries cannot get to the field without senders; they cannot succeed there without prayer partners.
Equippers– Those who have the ability, energy, means, and creativity to connect missionaries with those who will become senders or prayer partners or other supporters. Modern missions is often a lonely road. Individuals tell missionaries to get support from churches, and the churches redirect those missionaries back to individuals in a seemingly never-ending cycle. Missions, especially in Europe, is hard to communicate and expensive to fund. Most people associate Europe with fancy vacations and the historic Church, but that is a stereotype we must overcome. Missionaries need a team of people who can network for them, connect them to new financial supporters, share their enthusiasm for the work, and report back on what is being done once the missionary is in the field.
We believe we all have some of these gifts, which naturally overlap and might change with time and circumstance. All of us as Christians must constantly confirm our place in this partnership. Please pray and allow God to continually reveal how He wants to use you to do His global work.
*Extra resource: awesome John Piper YouTube clip on this subject
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV)
Reading of the day: Acts 4:18-35 (we cannot keep silent about what we have seen and heard)
Thoughts for the prayer of the day: The disconnect with missions and the Church is often due to a miscommunication of the agenda. Missionaries do not get “sent” to go do their work alone. They are “commissioned” by a local church, a phrase that carries a very specific meaning. The definition of a commissioning involves someone being sent as an ambassador to do work by proxy. The missionaries who go, therefore, are going on behalf of an entire group of people who are instrumental to and united in the work being done.
Not all can physically “go.” Not all are called to physically go. So what is their role in this whole thing?
Goers – Missionaries who go on behalf of the Body of Christ
Senders – Those who support the missionaries through finances, logistics, prayers, helping, educating, caring, and otherwise encouraging.
Prayers – Those with the specific gift of intercessory prayer and the ability to persist over time and continually address specific needs while staying in contact with the missionaries. Missionaries cannot get to the field without senders; they cannot succeed there without prayer partners.
Equippers– Those who have the ability, energy, means, and creativity to connect missionaries with those who will become senders or prayer partners or other supporters. Modern missions is often a lonely road. Individuals tell missionaries to get support from churches, and the churches redirect those missionaries back to individuals in a seemingly never-ending cycle. Missions, especially in Europe, is hard to communicate and expensive to fund. Most people associate Europe with fancy vacations and the historic Church, but that is a stereotype we must overcome. Missionaries need a team of people who can network for them, connect them to new financial supporters, share their enthusiasm for the work, and report back on what is being done once the missionary is in the field.
We believe we all have some of these gifts, which naturally overlap and might change with time and circumstance. All of us as Christians must constantly confirm our place in this partnership. Please pray and allow God to continually reveal how He wants to use you to do His global work.
*Extra resource: awesome John Piper YouTube clip on this subject
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides and directs us where You would have us to be. God, please help us to listen to that voice and to use the talents and resources you have blessed us with to further Your Kingdom here on Earth and to bring You the glory You long for and deserve.
I thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ here in Rome, and their desire to be used by You to share the Good News. I ask that you continue to strengthen and build the Your body here in Rome.
I ask that You would continue to raise up those who will come and join us in Europe and that at the same time You would call out to those who are meant to be equippers, senders and partners in prayer! You know the need far better than we, help us to trust you to get use us all as You see fit.
God, You know that my heart is here in Rome, but also in Haiti and in California, I ask that You continue to work in and through the lives of your people in each of these areas. Raise up strong and faithful followers of You, who are willing to do what it takes to make sure the World knows of Your great and wonderful love.
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