Accomplices to the Truth

By Harold Loucks (April 2004)

Accomplices may conjure up images of partners in crime who conspire together to steal, plunder, and to kill. However, the English word simply means one associated with another; and in the Greek context, it is defined as "joint-laborers." The Apostle John in his short letter used this concept to encourage Gaius and others to unite for the cause of truth. With this emphasis, I will present to you some ways you can partner in missions to encourage, assist, and support USA church planters.

Practically. Some unexpected expenses are routinely overlooked when it comes to mission support, and here is how you can contribute beyond the usually-set, monthly, dollar amount needed. Depending upon available skills, you can fix his vehicle, repair his home or appliances, build a room or a storage building, paint, sew and mend clothes, landscape, and even contribute the fruit of your gardening. Most missionaries rarely receive full support, and some items are often neglected to save needed money for food, housing, utilities, transportation, and medical needs. Though the church planter undoubtedly considers it an honor to suffer for the cause of Christ, it still falls upon these accomplices to the truth for strengthening and upholding the one proclaiming the truth. With each offer of practical help, not only are you saving the missionary time and money for other responsibilities, you also are encouraging him in the work of the Lord.

Personally. To be a real encouragement to the missionary, you must make the effort to send a note or card, email, call, or visit them in person. Continuing the idea of the Personal Touch, here is an additional thought on assisting: remember his family's need for spiritual enrichment. This will include pastor's fellowships, ladies retreats, and Christian camps for the children or family. Consider this all-too-often scenario as the strains of the ministry take their toll and when there are no resources for available opportunities to get away. Yes, he is doing his best not to be weary in well doing (Gal. 6:9; II Thess. 3:13), yet he still longs for a time of someone preaching to him and an extended time to come apart from the ministry to renew his relationship with the Lord. He takes comfort knowing the Lord in His grace will sustain him one way or another, but a few days or hours would mean so much. As you surely recall, the Lord Jesus took His disciples apart for a time (Mark 6:31). Would the Lord have you meet this extraordinary need for a missionary couple faithfully serving on a limited budget? You can truly add a personal investment in their ministry by making this possible, and it just might be the help they need to avoid weariness and discouragement.

Prayerfully. Saving this best aspect for last, the matter of prayer will always be the foremost help that you can offer. I trust these things will assist you to be a fellow helper in your prayers for the missionary family: (1) Thoughtfully read his mission correspondence when it comes. Usually, the missionary will speak of his work with various people, describe problems he encounters in the ministry, and tell about his family and their needs so you can join him in prayer for the Lord's blessings. (2) Put yourself in his place, see it from his perspective, and then pray accordingly for his ministry. (3) Petition with urgency as if they were your own requests, and ask the Lord to intervene and answer whether it be that a child is sick, disputes are present, or financial needs are pressing. (4) Remember the missionary's needs are often similar to what your family is experiencing, whether it is for wisdom, child-rearing difficulties, multiple responsibilities, boldness and opportunities to present the gospel, protection, or seeing changes in the lives of the people with whom you ministers.

In conclusion, missionaries are not asking that you feel sorry for them. They surely count it a blessing and a wonderful privilege to carry the gospel truth to the regions beyond. However, they know the value of having accomplices to the truth who will sustain and uphold them as they do what God has called them to do. The Apostle John considered Gaius as a well-beloved supporter of the truth. Even so will the church planter, his wife, and children cherish you as you partner with them in their mission ministry.