Missionaries
Brethren, I grew up in churches that preached the Gospel. And each had its own missionaries. It was not uncommon to have a special board on the wall with their pictures, etc. Requests were made to pray for the missionaries. Letters from missionaries were read. And somewhat regularly they would come from all over the world to update us with slides and words on what God was doing. I can honestly say I am thankful for each and for whatever the Lord is doing with them. For it was the attempt of those churches to fulfill the great commission to go into all the world.
Here, though, we do not have any missionaries in that same sense. There are many reasons for that. Let me explain:
1. The method of deputation (going to churches to gain support) I could not find in the Bible. In fact, I found the opposite.
Paul the apostle, for example, worked and supported himself much of the time.
2. Most missionaries going out were young and inexperienced. In the New Testament it was the greatly experienced leading in these endeavors (Paul).
3. The emphasis in missionaries going out often left the church not sensing the urgency in their own lives and locations to evangelize.
4. Most missionaries followed a pattern not common in the New Testament: They seldom established leadership out of the assembly gathered
and rarely succeeded terms of self perpetuation.
5. It has resulted in a large institution machine that is less than ideal. I say all this with hesitation.
None of it should be construed as questioning the consecration of those men and women. It is rather an explanation of why we do not in the “normal” sense have missionaries. But brethren, we ought to be concerned with reaching out unto the uttermost parts of the world.
Here is how I see it. Our missionary work begins (has begun) here! The need in Eau Claire is large. We are all, in a general sense, missionaries (Acts 7:4)
to our local circumstances. As we fulfill what is in front of us, I am convinced the Lord will open the door to go beyond here to other towns, states and countries. Our recent attempt in towns taught me this. Further, He will no doubt raise up a Paul and Timothy’s, etc. in our midst in His Time.
So, take heart. We are presently doing missionary work here. Look forward to the doors He will open and the men He will raise up to send forth.
Our missionary movement began when this church formed. Its future blossoming will bring fruit that we at present could yet comprehend. To the work, missionaries! The fields are white are white unto harvest!