While some years back missionaries used to be foreigners from abroad, having native missionaries is becoming more popular. This involves getting locals to become ministers of the gospel in their own country. Using indigenous missionaries have many advantages, including preventing culture shock because people preach in their country and are used to the place. It also avoids language barriers as most of the time one preaches among the people of their language. Moreover, it reduces the cost if sustaining preachers because air tickets and other expenses incurred by foreigners when on preaching missions in other countries are avoided. However, churches need to support Indigenous missionaries so they can succeed in preaching and other assignments.
Here are some ways of supporting native missionaries:
Empowering Indigenous Churches Ministries
How can a christian worker avoid the dependency trap? They can achieve it through empowering the indigenous churches’ movements or ministries. Anciently, people could manage their spiritual path before the missionaries came along. It should be the case for people who have decided to follow Christ. As it was noted in the book of Acts, “the resources required for harvest are already inside the harvest.”
Sharing the Gospel
All believers are required to share the good news with non-Christians around. By doing that, you join the missionaries’ work worldwide of reaching the unreached. In some countries, the gospel is shared freely. But in others, people are hostile to the message since it is illegal to be a Christian. In such areas, conversion to Christianity could lead to losing one’s life. This reality encourages many Christians to take advantage of each opportunity to share the gospel.
Giving Financial Aid
Missioners have their bills such as rent, kids attending school, and mortgage. Therefore, you must strive to support them with some of the monthly income. This financial support should not be a one person’s job. It involves the investment of many churches, companies, and donors. In this way, you feel honored for playing a role in the great commission by helping missionaries meet their needs and sustain daily living.
Praying for the Missionaries
Praying for the activities of missionaries in countries that are hostile to Christianity can provide divine protection from spiritual attacks which they encounter. Although general prayers are good, specific ones are better. You can talk to the local missioners to let them know you are praying for them and can ask for some updates on some situations. It gives confidence since someone is interceding for them.
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