This Sunday at Church: Share news of Missionaries to Others

For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Share news of Missionaries to Others.

 

Two weeks ago I wrote  Reach out to a Missionary as what one can do on the Lord’s Day, Sunday.

If you did reached out to a missionary the past two weeks then know this is a follow up idea; after all why not share with others in your church the news of how these missionaries are doing?  Don’t let a good opportunity go to waste!  Here are the reasons why this might be a good idea:

First, what you learn can be shared to other fellow believers as a mean of encouraging local believers in their own walk with God.  Everyone can hear something spiritually encouraging that allows one to be spiritually focused on Christ.

Second it also encourages other believers to pray for these missionaries.  And we know prayers are very important in the Lord’s work of spreading the Gospel and discipling the nations!

Third it will also encourage these missionaries to know that others know about what they are doing and are praying for them.  I’m sure missionaries need spiritual encouragement too!

So how do you as a believer go about sharing the news of how missionaries are doing?

First ask the missionaries permission to share.  Also be specific in asking them what you will share.  Some missionaries work in countries that are difficult to access so you don’t want to jeopardize the missionary and the indigenous believers.  Also even as you listen be discerning what is wise and not wise to share.  Sometimes I like to also assure the missionary of what I will not say; I think thinking about this and having it spelled helps prevent lose lips form “sinking ships.”

Second determine the manner of how you want to share the missionary report.  For some of us it might be part of our church’s prayer meeting where we share how the missionaries are doing and the people in the prayer meeting hears it, and pray accordingly.  For some it might be sharing it one on one with another believer in an informal context.  Still some of us are in a leadership capacity of some sort in our church and there’s a public and official sharing of missionary reports.  Whatever it is determine what you will do this Sunday or next Sunday.

Third when you do share, share the highlights.  Think of how long or how short you will share; respect people’s attention and time.  Be deliberate.  Also, remember sometimes less is better; better to share something short and not lose the other individual’s attention than to be long winded and then that person is less interested in the future from hearing updates.  So think about the highlights and aim to finish before your intended goal time.

Also write down questions others might ask.  Then go back to the missionary and ask them those questions.  If the questions are encouraging let the missionaries know who it is that is asking them.  This can encourage the missionaries, knowing there are others who are interested with what the missionaries are doing for the Lord.  Also when you find out the answer and share it to the person asking the question it makes it likely the one who got his or her questions answered would grow in interests with the missionary’s ministry which lead to deeper support and relationship.  Wouldn’t it be a joy to be used by God to bridge support and missionaries?

Use any audio or visuals if the occasion makes it appropriate to do so.  Sometimes people find it compelling when there are pictures and videos, charts and graphs and stats.

Make it personal.  Share how it impacted you hearing the new or report.  Or share what you plan to do to be involved with supporting the missionary and his or her work.  Say how you feel; but also share any verses that is important and came to your mind with knowing what are the missionary’s activities.

Finally talk in such a way as to encourage others. Talk this way to the missionary and talk this way to others you are sharing this too.  In the long run this isn’t about the missionary nor is it about the missionary supporters; its about God, Christ and the Spirit getting glory.  And God is most glorified when we enjoy Him and obey Him.  Speak in such a way then that encourages others to delight and rejoice in God more.  Again our Triune God is worthy of it when one consider how the Son Jesus died for our sins and the Father sent Him while the Spirit works to draw people to trust in the work and person of Jesus Christ for the salvation of sinners!