It is always a great privilege to attend a commissioning service for new missionaries, so when I received news that a young couple from Minnesota was about to leave for the field, I made it a point to be at their home church to send them off.
I had never been to this church before, but the atmosphere seemed very similar to many other churches I had visited over the years. As I leafed through the bulletin and read the announcements, I was surprised that the commissioning service was not mentioned anywhere. I quickly whipped out my trusty phone and thumbed through my emails wondering with anxiety if I had gotten the wrong week, but no, I was at the right place at the right time.
I found out later that nothing was printed or announced for security reasons. The pastor announced that the streaming service was shut off for the commissioning, and nothing was posted online. Even in the live service, they would use vague terms. The young and excited couple stood before the congregation, and we heard a bit about where they are going without ever even hearing the name of the country. All we heard was a portion of a continent where they would be ministering. After the service, during the celebratory lunch, I even noticed that the cake did not have their names on it. Sometimes keeping ministries secret is the best way to support them.
The thought of becoming a missionary is daunting to many believers. Moving to another country to share the gospel is difficult work that comes with a host of complications and stresses. Often, missionaries can share these difficulties with trusted churches who will pray for them.
Some missionaries, however, do not have this privilege. Letters home need to be coded and information sent is secured because they are living in places actively hostile to the message of the gospel. These are a special breed who need our prayers even more, and often cannot even fully tell us why. They are compelled to go to the most difficult unreached places in the world because of their love for God and for the lost. To paraphrase Hebrews 11:38, the world is not worthy of them.
We cannot lift their burden for them, but like Aaron and Hur supported Moses in Exodus 17, so we can support them in prayer. Pray today for our brothers and sisters serving around the world in countries and locations hostile to the gospel. Pray for boldness and as they share the message of salvation where Jesus is not known.
Point of action for missions teams:
-As a way to both honor and protect missionaries serving on the field, take some time to review your security protocols regarding what is posted online and shared with your church. If you are not sure what can be shared, ask the missionaries you support.
Mission Mobilizer