Prayer for new missionaries stepping into the field
Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
“For other issues, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread as quickly as you can and be respected.” -2 Thessalonians 3:1 NIV
“Did you talk about the young family who will leave a few months to become a Belgian missionary?” my mother casually asked. I vaguely remembered that she mentioned that their friends were considering serving abroad, but that was only a few weeks ago. Certainly, they hadn’t decided to go packing it quickly?
Noticing my obvious confusion, my mother confirmed that yes, it was the same couple with the little kids she had told me before. They felt the Lord calling them to the mission field and the opportunity appeared to go to Belgium. They decided to take it. My mother shared that she will hold an open house next month as her family plans to live and serve overseas indefinitely next month. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This family had elementary school children, local families who provided support, along with a considerable Christian community. How can they be packaged so easily?
As we continued the conversation, I discovered that their decision to go abroad was well-restricted and they felt that the Lord had been leading them in this direction for many years. So, to others, packing up your bags may seem like a rash choice, but the Lord has been working on their minds for a while. I went home that night and shared a conversation with my husband with my mother. As a Christian, I knew that we all wanted to be like this couple and wherever the Lord guided us. This family really walked by faith. They said yes to God and believed that he would resolve all the details. My husband and I agreed to attend a garage sale and help us share their home list, but more importantly, we began praying for them that night.
In Paul’s closing remarks to the Thessalonica church, he demands prayers as he continues to preach and share the gospel with others. One thing to note is that Paul is not seeking financial gifts or his physical needs are met. Instead, selflessly, he asks that it takes time for the Thessalonians to pray for progress in the Gospel! Paul also knew they would face opposition, that no one was open to hearing the good news. Paul acknowledged that God’s Word has life-changing power, but he also prioritized the power of prayer that helps promote his ministry efforts.
Often we hear our followers head towards the mission field, but the first thing that usually comes to our minds is, “How can we help?” And while missionaries certainly need financial provisions, the most important thing we can do for them is pray. We pray not only for their protection, but specifically, that the gospel stabs the hearts of our listeners and that they will become aware of the Lord and the Savior.
As the families I have spoken to previously continue to plan their departures, their churches, communities, family and friends supported them, encouraged them and most importantly, prayed them. When they enter the mission field in faith, we reinforce our prayers because they are powerful and effective and the best thing we can do for those called to the mission field.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love. Let your son die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. We will come to you both near and far, representing all the missionaries in the world who are currently serving. We know that these individuals sacrifice a lot to let you know your name. We pray they will be there as they embark on their journey to new cities, countries and continents.
We ask that you protect them, their physical needs be met and they are welcomed by those who are hungry for your word and the gospel. Lord, we hope that our hearts will be open, that your message of salvation will be accepted and that our lives may change. Lord, we love you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo credit: ©istock/getty images plus/mirsad sarajlic
Laura Bailey is an author and biblical teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, embracing eternity here and now, explores how the timeless truths of the Church can help us today live a more peaceful, purposeful and abundant life.
She lives in northern South Carolina with her husband and three young girls. She is the director of the Ministry of Women at her church. Her passion is to teach the Bible to women and equip them to live in an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at the next event or learn more: www.laurarabailey.com Connect via Facebook and Instagram.
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