Lord, Bless and Comfort the Missionaries
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Undoubtedly, you are most familiar with the oft repeated, though condensed version of prayer: "Lord, bless the missionaries." While it is commendable to call upon the Lord on behalf of those sent out to reach the lost, you must be more specific in your prayers for the Lord to really provide the needs of those for whom you pray. With this thought in mind, I would like to take a clue from Paul's teaching on comfort to the Corinthian believers. Ask yourself how you have suffered and experienced the comfort of the Lord. How might your own personal experiences be used of the Lord to console His servants who are aiding Him on the mission field? Perhaps these suggestions will provoke your thoughts in this matter.
Share your testimony
Most likely you expect the missionary to be the one to testify of God's provision, blessing, and providence. However, it does the missionary good to hear of opportunities, open doors, and what the Lord has done in your life. You never know just how the Lord will use something in your life to be a real encouragement to His servant. For instance, just recently my wife and I were having the Sunday noon meal with a retired farmer and his wife. They related how the Lord took some of their children through a dreaded, inherited disease for which there was no cure. Through it all, they manifested a sweet, Christian spirit that glorified the Lord. Another family was reeling from circumstances in the life of a wayward son; yet they were still trusting God in this difficult time. What an encouragement it was to see these classic examples of the consolation of which Paul spoke, for God does allow difficult situations into missionaries' lives. Your testimony of His grace will help them to keep a joyous and hopeful attitude through it all.
Share your thoughts
"The thoughts of the righteous are right" (Pr 12:5). While there are always any number of topics on which to express your opinion, what meditations from Scripture are special to you? If you have learned through dangerous times or illness to trust the Lord for His protection, why not recount Scripture that God used to encourage your heart? Though you normally expect the missionary to reflect on Scripture, you are completely free to share how God has spoken to you from His Word to make a decision of surrender or allow for witnessing opportunities in special circumstances. Christian fellowship is a two-way street, so tell of God's promises for physical provisions or comfort in a time of loss. Who knows, but that God may allow you to clarify answers that would be just the reassurance the missionary needs at that time?
Share your time
When a missionary family is at your church, their time will be limited. Often, the pastor is busy and would appreciate any opportunity for you to assist. Look for these occasions by planning to arrive early, lending a helping hand to carry equipment, adjusting the sound system, and volunteering to locate necessary items as he sets up his display and presentation for the services. Even just visiting around the display table and talking after most of the people have left is a good time to become familiar with their field of service and special needs. The extra time conversing at our display let us know that he was really concerned and that the Lord was dealing with his heart. It allowed for us to become better acquainted with the very people who would be praying for us. After the missionaries leave, be appreciative that they have come to your church. Write or email details of church activities or family events to keep them informed. Remember, if the missionary family is important enough to support, it is necessary to get to know them and important for those church families to know their missionary.
Share your table
One of the best places to encourage God's servants is around your table. A home-cooked meal is still tops on anybody's list of favorite places to eat. Of course, this does not rule out restaurant meals, as busy schedules and other demands make it difficult for one to prepare for visitors in the home. Just the same, Scripture even reveals the times of fellowship the Lord had at meals with others. The mere mention of home cooking brings the beloved Martha to mind as she busily did all the kitchen work while her adoring sister Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Remember from that occasion in Scripture, it is not the elaborate and fancy preparations that are important, but rather, the quality time spent with the servants of God. One of our more delightful occasions was a spur-of-the-moment invitation to pancakes for Sunday dinner. The delicious brunch was as enjoyable as the sweet fellowship our entire family found that afternoon. As you share what God has given you, you will be surprised how that will feed the bodies and souls of the missionary family in ways you could never imagine.
Share your talents
What particular skill or even hobby do you have that might be used of the Lord to encourage His servants? Are you alert to possibilities of sharing your talent when the missionary comes to your church? The opportunities to be a greater blessing to God's servants are endless. It might be some handicraft item for the wife, a traveling toy or a much-needed outfit for a growing child, mechanical work or an oil change for his car, or ministry needs for his field of service. With the advent of the computer age, not all missionaries are literate in that realm. Spending some time with a missionary working on his computer or installing a new program will be a worthwhile investment in his ministry. Remember this in respect to suffering and comfort: a missionary and his family will experience suffering because they lack ability in certain areas. They may either go without or endure a poorer quality of life since they do not have any extra money to get what they need or to make worthwhile improvements. As members of the body of Christ, a suffering member affects others; and this will certainly affect his ministry. If you have something that will benefit another member, make the effort to share it so that all can receive a blessing.
In conclusion, think of the far-reaching effects of your aid to the missionaries as they soon will be on their mission fields caring for people with spiritual needs. With the same compassion you shared, they will console and encourage those whom they are now reaching for the Lord. Over their years of ministry, continue to faithfully pray for their specific needs and opportunities of service. Then, ask the Lord to use you in immeasurable ways as you share your testimony, thoughts, time, and talents for His glory by being both a blessing and a comfort to God's servants.