Missionary 101

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has been committing to be a part of God's work in Zambia.  I am greatly encouraged by receiving the slips of paper back with varied levels of involvement from friends and family.  It is neat to see part of God's plan revealed for the people he has chosen to partner with me in this ministry, He never ceases to amaze me.  

I am learning a lot about what it takes to be a missionary and how God will equip me to be a woman chasing after his heart above all else.  As I pursue this future of foreign missions, I thought it would be a good idea to begin focusing on Paul and learning from his experience in foreign missions.  Most of Paul's letters talk about immediate obedience and stepping out in faith.  Often through Paul's mission trips, he had no means of shelter, finances, support, etc. prepared ahead of time, but when God told him to go, he went regardless, trusting that God would provide along the way.  The further I read in Paul's letters, the more it became clear how physically God provided for Paul's needs.  He often used the body of believers to give Paul what he needed, whenever he needed it; a divine partnership.  Paul, in turn, rejoiced unto the Lord knowing that God was his ultimate provision and life sustainer.  

I am leaving for my mission trip on April 18th regardless of what I have ahead of time...I know God has called me to be a teacher in Zambia and I know that He has provided a divine partnership for me through His body.  God will use the people He has placed in my life to begin equipping me for the trip and then sustaining me in the field.  This step of faith will be a wonderful testimony to the power and sovereignty of the one and only living God...are you a part of it?

In Philippians, Paul address the church of Philippi praising them for their partnership and faithfulness to God's ministry through him.  He encourages them saying, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." (4:17)  See, Paul knows that by giving him food, money, shelter, prayer, encouragement,  clothes, wisdom, etc. the members of the church of Philippi are indeed storing up treasures in heaven.  Their credit increases with every act of selflessness they perform for the sake of the gospel; God has already recorded it.   

I want to encourage those who have already gave, and those who will be giving, of their time, talents, and treasures for this mission.  We know that what we give here on earth is transfered into treasures in heaven, noted by God himself.  All we have been blessed with belongs to God and how greatly He adores us when we use what He has given us to advance His kingdom here on earth, preparing for the return of our Savior.  

I praise God for your faithfulness and willingness to get your hands dirty for His sake and and to be obedient to His calling on your life!!