After my husband and I committed to go to Black Forest Academy in Germany to teach children of missionaries, we began raising support by sending letters, making phone calls and seeking opportunities to speak at churches. Most who listened were interested, but a few were not; and that was alright because God was, and is, in charge.
One question we were occasionally asked, however, which often felt more like a challenge, was, “We have enough needs here…why go to another country?”
How does one respond to that? Only God, in His time and in His way, can change a heart. However, our Godly response, coming from humble, accurate sharing of the needs, could be part of what God uses to change that heart. I’ll share some additional thoughts for you to pray over whether or not you go as foreign missionaries.
God is a global God who seeks obedient hearts. When Jesus was on earth, He said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 18:15 NIV) As He left, He repeated, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NIV)
God deserves worship from all peoples and nations. “May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.” (Psalm 67:4 NIV) “May all kings bow down to Him and all nations serve Him.” (Psalm 72:11 NIV)
God desires that all may hear. Some statistics suggest that in America, there is approximately one religious worker for every 302 people. In the rest of the world there is approximately one religious worker for every 18,202 people. If we narrow this down to include only unreached people, there is approximately one religious worker for every 216,300 people. We should go where God’s light is not. Oswald J. Smith (1889-1986), a Canadian preacher and missionary, punctuated these statistics by saying, “No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.”
God wants us to use our gifts for His glory. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV)
God shows us how to spread the knowledge of His truth. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14 NIV)
Therefore, be ready to respond to hard questions in a way that is Biblically informed and not defensive or arrogant. Pray for that humble heart to even say, “That’s a good question and I’m not sure of the answer. I’ll get back to you.” Then seek God’s wisdom and do it!
Helen McCormack
Helen and her late husband David confirmed God’s first call to missions at a MissionNext Conference in 2002. After three short-term (2-4 month) projects in Lithuania, they joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. They then taught for seven years at Black Forest Academy in Germany. Black Forest Academy serves mostly missionary families who work in over 50 countries throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Helen now serves as a Journey Guide with MissionNext.
