My wife and I have recently finished our work as missionaries with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). During the time we served with YWAM (eight and five years, respectively) we were required to raise our own finances through the sponsorship of friends, family and churches. Without the support we have received through prayer, money and encouragement, we could not have been involved in ministry and impacted 1000's of people's lives from around the world. Those who have given to us deserve great recognition for their part in impacting and changing these lives.
Just as a successful professional sports team receives honour and glory for its achievements, but couldn't succeed without financial backers, coaching staff and other administrative staff so do the people serving in missions need a support team to be effective in their ministry.
In 1 Corinthians Paul discusses the responsibility of individual Christians to play their part in the body of Christ. "Now the body is not made up of one part but of many… in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be." I Cor 12 4, 18.
In the context of missions this means, that while some people are called to the overseas field, others must play their role by supporting those who go out. This is not a lesser role but is essential for us to be effective in preaching the gospel to all nations.
When any of us sponsor those on the field who are living by faith finances, your support establishes a partnership between them, you and God. What you sow into the lives of the missionary(ies) is also a seed planted for the kingdom of God.
Giving finances, prayer and encouragement must not be seen as a task or a sacrifice, but a privilege and honour to partner with God in seeing this world transformed. This partnership is essential for a ministry to be effective and people's lives to be changed.
For those who are called to the workforce this is an opportunity that should really be thought through. I believe there is a responsibility for those with a steady income to respond to the needs of those who are ministering the gospel and living by faith.
While each person has a different financial situation, this shouldn't be used as an excuse to buy luxuries in life and forget those who have stood at the front of the church and been sent out as missionaries.
Beyond just the luxuries God may call some people to give up so they can partner with Him in missions it is important to ask God what He wants to do with all our finances. This may mean giving more money away when we get a raise or letting go of some of the things we might consider basic items of living e.g. coffee or chocolate.
Whatever our part in the body is, we must play it for the Church to function properly. Our part is significant for the great commission to be fulfilled and it is such an honour that God Almighty wants to join with us in His work.
If we are called to send others out and give to them, let's seek the Lord for His specific direction about how much, and if we are called to go out may we be good stewards of the finances we are given from the Lord and share stories with those who partner with us of what God is doing through our ministry.
The next time you hear someone needing finances for ministry please stop and ask God how you can assist Him in this ministry. Remember, when anyone of us gives, this giving is partnering with God.
Tim Wilson is married with two children having served as a missionary with YWAM in Brisbane for many and this month relocating to Canada in mission.
Tim's articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-wilson.html