Listen to me, dear brothers, and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
James 2:5
There so many amazing experiences related to working with a mission foundation! Let me share some thoughts:
I am fortunate to interact regularly with mission workers who live below the poverty line, and who still generously give to others. I encouraged one mission worker to stop giving so much of his family’s money away! I have since repented from offering that ungodly advice. Mission worker, after mission worker, after mission worker are modern day models of sacrificial generosity. They share the same spiritual DNA with the widow who gave her last two pennies to God (Luke 21:1-3) and Andrew who gave Jesus the boy’s lunch of five loaves and two small fish to feed thousands. A blessing for these mission workers is that they get to witness the incredible work of Jesus through their sacrificial offerings. This reality causes me to wonder why I may miss “everyday” miracles…
The Flow partners with eleven mission workers who live below poverty levels in two east African countries and in South America. All eleven are giving their lives to share Jesus with unreached people groups in dangerous and unnamed places. Some of these mission works began two years ago, and others began just this year. What is amazing is that I have never met nor spoken with any of these mission workers or their families. In fact, I may never meet them this side of heaven.
Though I have not met them in person, I still learn regularly of the fruit of their courageous faith. These mission workers provide monthly reports of what God is doing in the lives of the people they serve. In the first six months of 2022, six African mission workers (now living in two of the five most dangerous countries in the world) have seen forty-eight people defy country law and be baptized into Jesus’ salvation. They have also witnessed firsthand the start of five churches. In South America, five mission teams are launching this year. They are currently working to build trust with local leaders and their people who are wary of outsiders due to a recent murder.
Thanks to these dedicated Christians, my view of God, Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit and the scope of Jesus’ Kingdom has not only expanded but has been forever altered. Also, I am reminded of my great wealth compared to most Christians who live around the world. Their lives call out to me to live as they do. They give so freely and sacrifice their “riches on this side of heaven” to help others to experience the riches of heaven itself.
I want to be like them.
Please join me in giving and living like these amazing mission workers. Sacrifice and give your money to missions. Sacrifice and surrender your comfort and your fear and share Jesus with the people in your life. Make a difference this side of heaven so others can experience heaven with you.
Blessings,
Bruce
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