Over the past few weeks, I have detected a disturbing trend emerging from newsletters and updates from missionaries. Two different missionaries serving in the same European nation reported a sudden loss of support from major supporters without warning. Both ministries are worth of support, and are doing good work in difficult areas.
Of course, if these were the only two that had reported losses of support we could dismiss them as purely anecdotal stories that do not make a trend. However, we have had many report of similar drastic support reductions without warning and without recourse. Add to this the Religious News Service report (August 27, 2015) that the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention is enduring a $21 million shortfall in this fiscal year alone. Over the past six years, the IMB income has been more than $210 million less than expenses. Thankfully there are some stories to the contrary, but the trend for world missions support is unmistakably discouraging.
The origin for this drop in missions support among Christian Churches/Churches of Christ and the Southern Baptist Convention congregations is undetermined. It could very well be the slow growth of the US economy, and the slowing world economy, is having a toll on everyone’s income. Economic news services consistently report that incomes are not rising. The reason could also be our personal lack of confidence in the promises of God and our personal lack of passion world evangelism.
To my knowledge, no studies have been done as to the cause, but I do believe I know something about an answer. Stir a commitment to prayer among our congregations, Bible School classes, Prayer Meetings, Elderships, Staff and small groups! Those things for which we pray take root in our soul and they become the things for which we become passionate.
Take time to focus on the “Pray for the Nations” video that is shared each Friday. Spend one week praying for one nation. I am convinced that God will stoke the fire in our heart for the lost of the world. Share “Pray for the Nations” on the missions network APP. Our APP is the easiest means I know of for sharing these inspirational prayer videos. Two or three people can quickly gather to watch these videos over a cup of coffee & a danish! Tell a friend this week about the app! The links to each device are below. Never assume someone already knows about the app – tell them!
