Called to Support
Four members of the Coromandel Valley Uniting Church mission support group share why and how they are involved in supporting mission:
Claire
I found a passion for supporting people in cross-cultural mission after our young family studied with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) and experienced outreach in Asia. We knew God wanted us to return home but were to remain involved at the support end. Both I and the congregation have gained a wider perspective and sense of connection beyond the local scene as a result of our active support of cross-cultural mission. Those who are sent say they feel well-supported, and often join our team when they return.
Carol
How can you not become involved in cross-cultural mission when there are many who have yet to hear the Good News?
How can you not support people who have uprooted themselves and their families to help others in growing their faith and improving their lives?
How can you not become involved in mission when you hear testimonies of men, women and children suffering for their beliefs?
How can you not help those who have little when you have been blessed with more?
How can you not believe that the God who has answered your personal prayers is the God who will also answer your prayers on behalf of others?
And so it is, in answer to these questions, I pray and give to mission.
“How can you not become involved in cross-cultural mission when the are so many who have yet to hear the Good News?”
Colin
From high on a mountain I gazed out to the white-capped sea. My attention was drawn to a red car speeding along the coast road winding around the cliffs. To my horror, below me I could see another part of the road blocked by a rock fall. I could do nothing to prevent the tragedy… not in that dream, not that time. But I heard it as God’s urgent call to action: so much could be done to help others avoid life’s tragedies. As adults, my wife and I had supported many overseas workers with finance, prayer and encouragement. Then came that call for us to go. Now returned after seven and a half years, we encourage others in mission with a greater awareness of their need for communication and prayer from their supporters. And we know the joy of multiplication, as they reach out to others in ever-widening ripples.
And so it is, in answer to these questions, I pray and give to mission.
Shirley
In my 60s I began supporting a group of women and children in Thailand through our church, later joining a short-term team to visit them. Did God “call” me? There was a mixture of being stirred by the Holy Spirit and a desire to travel and meet the people. Three years later I led a similar team and it was such a joy to see the mothers’ pride in their children’s health and education (some even doing tertiary studies.) They were still vulnerable but all had hope for their futures. Through these short visits I became more informed, more prayerful in supporting those working in other cultures, and encouraged other supporters. Any call to serve the Lord comes from our daily walk with him. We can step forward by faith when he opens a door, trusting that our God “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
