Answering the Call
By Michael G. Loftis, President
When a missionary answers the call of God to go to the ends of the earth, most people have no idea what ensues. An entire matrix of decisions is begun that will impact relationships and people for generations to come—in fact, for all eternity. To get an idea of what is involved; we must view the impact of such a decision from four major perspectives:
(1) The missionary and his family. The missionary is the first person impacted by answering God’s call. Career direction is now radically altered, as are financial considerations, educational priorities, and family relationships. The number of decisions triggered by that one phrase, “Yes, Lord, I’ll go,” are incredible.
(2) The sending church. As soon as the missionary answers the call, the New Testament example is that the church becomes immediately involved and must answer a call of their own to be willing partners in the process of world missions (Acts 13). This step is important so that those who are sent have the endorsement, prayers, and support of the local community of believers who recognize God’s work through His newly appointed missionary. The sending church then opens up a new door to partnerships with other churches in sending their missionary to the field. Early in the process, a new missionary learns the meaning of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians regarding the daily care for “all the churches.”
(3) The mission agency and coworker missionaries. In today’s post-9/11 world, new missionaries rarely venture into situations where they serve completely alone. Foreign governments increasingly seek evidence that a missionary serves with a reputable international organization. There are tax laws and immigration issues, as well as practical matters of training, preparation, and cultural effectiveness once arrival on the field has been achieved. Thus, answering the call initiates a series of decisions and relationships with a mission agency, followed by application and approval to serve with a team of likeminded coworkers in world evangelism.
(4) The receiving church. I have spent most of my life in the world of missions, but have rarely heard anyone give much thought to the missionary’s relationship with the receiving church on the other side of the world. Walking into a fellowship of believers in other places on the planet is a privilege not to be taken lightly. One of the most important assets missionaries will ever have is the network of believers in the body of Christ with whom they will serve and on whom they will depend for everything from cultural orientation to, perhaps, life itself.
As you read through this issue of the Message, pray for each of these missionaries and the decisions involved in all four areas impacted by their decision to answer the call of the Lord of the Harvest.
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