I came across this quote the other day that really captures the beauty of the relationship between missionaries, their sending church, and those they seek to reach:
"How thankful we are for those who give, who pray and send so that those who have never heard the gospel and are not a part of the kingdom of God have an opportunity to join the body of Christ. One day we will all gather around the throne to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords: those who sent missionaries, the missionaries, and those who responded to the gospel message. We will all stand amazed at the grace of God in allowing us to come into His presence and spend eternity with Him. Only then will we see the full strategic influence of those who have prayed and sacrificially given so that the gospel could go to those who needed to hear it. With eternity in view, may churches continue to pray, give and send out missionaries; may missionaries be faithful to their call and the mandate of the church; and may the Saviour of the world be praised."
Taken from: "Expectations & Burnout: Women Surviving the Great Commission" (by Sue Eenigenburg & Robynn Bliss), p. 99.
Wonderful quote! Very encouraging....wish I had heard that years ago while doing mission work. Sometimes it is easy to get tunnel-vision and discouraged and it is good to be reminded of the big picture and that we are just pilgrims.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all!
Rose Bredenhof