Skip Navigation

Message Magazine Cover

In This Issue

Heeding God’s Twofold Call

Brad Winkler, Director of Prefield Ministries

“Pastor, God has called me to be a missionary. Will the church support me?” As a pastor, I heard this exciting declaration and question often. Initially, it would bring great joy and celebration, only to be followed by consternation and the feeling of inadequacy in fully understanding how to support and care for missionaries.

Focal Point
Who Owns the Missionary?

Dr. Michael G. Loftis, President ABWE International

Some may think, “What a strange question—no one owns the missionary!” Consider these scenarios: What happens when a missionary receives pressure from two different churches to place a primary focus on two completely different ministry priorities? What happens if a missionary gets arrested by local authorities? Who has the responsibility to care for a missionary family when their prodigal teen runs away in a foreign country? Who should help a missionary make a good transition into retirement? Who must make sure that missionaries who apply for career service are properly equipped to serve effectively?

Words from a Sending Pastor—Pastor Jim Carrel

Perry Baptist Church in Perry, Michigan, is a congregation of approximately 230 people. Pastor Jim Carrel became the pastor nine years ago, when the church was already a good, missionary-sending church. He feels it is now a privilege for him to be a part of this body of believers that is committed to world missions, and he prayerfully hopes to see that commitment continue.