Comments on: What are some challenges you’re facing? I

By: Meowmix

Meowmix — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:33:06 +0000

On my home front and in my local church, one of the challenges or perhaps “concerns” would be a better word is that many congregations have dwindling membership, especially among some longstanding congregations where members are older, the younger ones have moved further out (east in our case), and those left have health problems or are of an age that preclude many of the activities and works they used to be involved in. Close on its heals, of course, with dwindling membership is dwindling financial funds with which to function. And that decreases what is able to be done on the mission field. My congregation supports at least one full-time missionary in S. Africa and some others. We aren’t the sponsoring congregation, however. But there’s one thing that always amazes me about my brothers and sisters as they age, is that so many, rather than being discouraged, hang tenaciously to their faith and are some of the most loving and caring people I’ve ever been associated with.

For those of you, like you and your family, who are in the trenches of mission work, you have my love and prayers.

By: thurman8er

thurman8er — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:35:57 +0000

This post is a must-read for every person who attends any congregation which gives you support. I pray that people can understand that mission work isn’t about numbers or “production.” There is far more going on, both in the lives that are touched abroad and in the spirit of support given at home. Sending out God-permeated souls into a God-starved world can only be good.

By: randy

randy — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:58:32 +0000

I’ve been on your side as a child observing the challenges and struggles of my missionary parents. I remember when we were working with AIM students my dad received word that a particular church was no longer going to support him. A few weeks later the new batch of AIM students appeared along with a couple of MARK students one of which was the new recipient of the support from the church which was being given to my dad. Challenging indeed.

When I get frustrated with stateside ministry I think about going into overseas ministry. The reality of course is we will endure frustration and disappointment and even heartache regardless which side of the ocean we minister.

Grace and Peace be yours in abundance and joy from the Holy Spirit as you labor for God’s people and in many cases in spite of God’s people.

By: cwinwc

cwinwc — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:04:41 +0000

Dr. Bill Glasser of “Reality Thearpy” and “Quality School” fame states that we have a tendency to “value people who work with things over people who work with people.” I think this is not only true but it can pervade the church as well.

Hang in there my brother and may all of us have our eyes opened to the importance of missions.

By: Stoogelover

Stoogelover — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:55:04 +0000

You have all the frustration of ministry in general, and then shoulder this particular burden. Sometimes I honestly don’t know how you keep on keeping on. Well, I do know, but it’s still amazing that you do!!