The Global Impact Missions Ministry . . . Pray, Give, Go.
Often we think of missions taking place in a far off land. Why? Maybe it is our perception of “The Great Commission.” When one reads “Go and make disciples of all nations” it tends to make one think about traveling the world to minister in the name of Christ. However, the word “world” does not necessarily denote exotic, far off places. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines “world” as:
- the earthly state of human existence
- the earth with its inhabitants and all things upon it
- individual course of life
- the inhabitants of the earth: the human race
The world is all around us. It can be as far away as Brazil or China or as close as your own hometown. We are called to “go” to all places for the cause of Christ but those places are both near and far. God knows not every one of us can go halfway around the world. Some can travel the globe and for those that can they should consider going on an international mission project. If international trips are not feasible, consider opportunities to serve in the United States. Actually, some of the best mission opportunities are right in your own backyard. Whether you realize it or not God provides mission opportunities for everyone.
When I say everyone, I mean everyone. God did not command a portion of his followers to “go”. He commanded every child of God to go. Christ uttered “The Great Commission” to the twelve disciples, instructing them to teach this command to all His followers so that we all would reach and teach people in His name. We all should be involved in missions, it is our responsibility.
As Christians we have a responsibility just like everyone else to make missions a part of our everyday lives. Because of challenges and commitments, many adults feel as if they cannot be involved. To those individuals I say, “think again.” Not everyone can go on a week long mission trip, but could you clean your closet and donate your old clothes to a shelter or relief agency? Could you take half a Saturday to go an area mission agency and volunteer your time? These tasks do not seem like much, but they are mission’s ministry.
First Baptist has always been a giving church when it comes to missions. In addition to the funds budgeted for missions in our general offering, our church has a year round offering for missions called the Global Impact Missions Offering. This is an offering above and beyond your regular tithe used to help various missions’ projects and organizations the church supports. Through our giving we are able to support missionaries around the world, start new churches, assist numerous local mission organizations, respond to disasters, and much, much more. Without financial support, the Global Impact Missions Ministry could not do what God has called us to do. This is why we ask every member to prayerfully consider giving to missions. Your giving, great or small, has great kingdom significance. Remember, every cent counts in the world of missions.
Lastly, and arguably the most important mission’s role is something we all can do and that is pray. All of us can pray for people who are lost without Christ. We can pray for the missionaries serving all around the world. We can pray for the mission organizations our churches support and the mission teams that go out from our church. Prayer is a very powerful element in the work of missions that often goes forgotten. Your prayers make a difference in all mission efforts.
Remember, the world is all around you and all of us have a responsibility to meeting needs through the sphere of missions. Please prayerfully consider joining the work of the Global Impact Missions Ministry! Pray, Give, Go . . . it is your world, how will you help?