One of the prayers from the IMB.org prayer app had this request:
"Please pray for missionaries as they seek to be wise and organized in how they use their time on stateside. Ask God to provide them times of refreshing and time to invest well in churches."
Notice "...invest well in churches." While missionaries are stateside, they're still working. They visit churches and talk about the work they're doing in the field, how many are saved, hardships, and praises. They do this to raise awareness, and, in raising awareness, they're helping to raise money for IMB. It costs a lot to support a missionary. According to Missionary Portal's website:
"...it takes $59,500 a year to support a missionary,..."
"...if every evangelical gave an extra $6.63 for every $10,000 we earn, that would cover all missionary financial costs."
IMB missionaries are so blessed to be fully funded by IMB directly. Most missionaries don't have this blessing. They spend their time stateside in order to raise money to support themselves for when they return to the field. It's a definite testament to living by faith and trusting fully in the sovereignty of God. It's a practice that goes back to the first missionaries, the disciples.
Paul praised the Phillippians for supporting him. Apparently, there was a gap in their assistance, but they gave when they had "opportunity."
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. (Phillippians 4:10 ESV)
He assured them that he wasn't in need, although it was clear that he did without:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Phillippians 4:11-12 ESV)
His faith, God got him through the hard times:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phillippians 4:13 ESV)
I love how thankful he is. I so wish I could turn the difficult times around like Paul does and see the good in everything. He not only thanks them, but lets them know that God the Father will reward them for their unselfish acts of giving. They're building up treasure in heaven by bearing the "fruit that increases [their] credit."
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Phillippians 4:14-20 ESV)
If you are called upon to help sponsor a missionary or an organization that supports missionaries, rest assured you are an integral part of the Great Commission.
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Please join me this week in praying for our missionaries. Pray for their safety and for their ministry needs. Pray also for the people they are ministering to and those who are still unreached and unengaged.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power
#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #give #missionary #GreatCommission #laborers #finance
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