Month of Prayer and Giving Day Six- Staying in Touch

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 ESV

Sometimes missionaries are criticised for not keeping in contact frequently enough with their prayer supporters. Some may even assume that their prayers are not appreciated or perhaps no longer needed. This, I say from experience, is seldom if ever the case.

Often when a missionary goes quiet there are very good reasons. They may be working long hours with little rest. They may be facing emotional, physical or spiritual challenges that it would not be appropriate for others to know about at the moment. They may be deeply discouraged over the seeming lack of fruitfulness in their ministry.

The rule of thumb is this. A missionary likely needs your prayers more when you are not hearing from them than when you are. So, when they go quiet don’t intensify your efforts to get information. Rather multiply your labours in intercession.

The church at Edlesborough has a member – supported by other churches as well – who is serving the Lord in the Middle East. If you have seen one of his prayer letters you will know that he is concerned about the some very important issues.

He wants to fulfil his responsibilities before the Lord as a godly husband. He also wants to continue to develop greater facility with the languages which he needs for effective ministry. His ultimate aim is pioneer church planting in 100% Muslim villages.

Will you pray that the Lord will bless, protect and strengthen his marriage and use this couple to lead others into His kingdom? Will you ask the Lord to continue to strengthen their ties to the local churches in which they are involved? Will you ask the Lord to open doors which no one can close in areas that might be restricted to the gospel?

Will you continue to pray – with or without – regular updates? I assure the prayers are needed – and appreciated.

“Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
3 John 8 ESV

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