Missions Information

~~~
   
(Much of the information on the following pages has been gathered from various mission agencies throughout the world. We do our best to verify all information. It is given here to help you be effective in prayer and to keep you as believers informed. You will find follow-up information on our 'Links' page.)

The key is prayer! Visit Operation World  at www.gmi.org/ow/

 ~~~

You and World Missions . . . 

If you are a Christian this is one of the most important issues God would have you consider. Just think of it, everyday thousands go into a Christ-less eternity. They have little or no opportunity to hear the Gospel, own a Bible, or attend a church. Many don't even have food or safe water to drink. Because they are far removed from us it is easy not to give them much thought. "Out of sight, out of mind," as the saying goes. May God change our hearts. Here are some things you can do.

Be Informed . . .
Jesus saw the multitudes and was moved with compassion. If we are to be moved this way we must first see the people and secondly see them like our Lord does. Seldom will you see or hear reports about "these" people on TV, radio, and even in many churches. You must search our mission magazines, missionaries, missions conferences, and books on missions. Sad to say most Christian bookstores have very little or nothing on missions! For your information here is a list of a few good mission books:
*  From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, by Ruth Tucker
*  Operation World, by Patrick Johnstone
*  Through Gates of Splendor, by Elisabeth Elliot   
*  Any of the Men & Women of Faith Series, by Bethany House Publishers

There are several mission offices located in most major cities; go visit them and request their newsletters. Often visiting missionaries will be in the area. Ask your pastor when and express your desire to attend. Some areas will have interdenominational mission conferences that can be very informative. Get as much information as you can.

Be in Prayer . . .
"Lord bless all the missionaries around the world, Amen." This is not the kind of prayer that is requested but sadly is often what is given. Jesus said to His disciples, "could you not watch with me one hour?" Some have taken this seriously and commit to pray one hour a day. The reports and newsletters of missionaries and mission groups will give you plenty to pray about. The book, Operation World is full of information country by country providing facts that will assist you in prayer. Some churches have a mission's committee that gathers together for missions prayer; find out if your church has one and attend. Attend the regular weekly church prayer meeting and pray for mission needs. Some of the things that need to be prayed for are:
*  More missionaries (Matthew 9:37, 38)
*  For the Church to be committed to missions.
*  For missionary families; their provision, protection, and fruitfulness in ministry, and
   emotional needs (many are lonely being so far away from extended family and friends).
*  For more mature national leadership to rise up and carry the Gospel.
*  For open doors and hearts in "closed countries" (Moslem, Communist).

There is tremendous power in prayer (James 5:16b), so PRAY!

Be a Giver . . .
"If you are all wrapped up in yourself you are a very small package."

Many Christians give 10 % to their local church, some more, some less. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than receive," and that, "The Lord loves a cheerful giver." Whatever you give regularly to the church continue and give extra for missions. You will be blessed and so will the missionaries. Many missionaries sacrifice and suffer and go without just to serve Jesus in a far away place. Wouldn't you like to help them? Some churches give 10 % to missions and a couple I know give 50 % of all offerings to missions! Sad to report some churches don't even give 1 %. Ask your church treasurer what you give. As one saint said, "If you can not go, send a substitute." Get behind missions with your pocketbook, be a regular giver.

Be Committed . . .
It is up to you. What will you do? Get committed to missions! Some like to travel; have some adventure but never truly get behind missions. How about you? Make a personal commitment. BE INFORMED, BE IN PRAYER, BE A GIVER, and maybe God would call you to go and serve Him in another land (Matthew 28:19, 20).

~~~