The purpose of mission work is to spread the word of God. In order to accomplish this objective God’s people often work in foreign and domestic lands to preach the Gospel. Missionaries often find their work to be life-changing. By working with missionaries, churches are able to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with those who live in places where Christianity is sometimes unknown. Whether in the United States or overseas, there are a variety of reasons why mission work is especially important.
We are Commanded to do So:
After His resurrection and before his ascension into heaven, Jesus spoke of the importance of mission work. "16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:16-20
People Need to Hear the Word of the Gospel:
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” Matt 9:37-38. We are ALL called to play a part in the process of planting, watering, and reaping the harvest. 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, that “we are the laborers together with God.” As a church what is your overall mission toward this effort?
Missionaries Depend on Churches:
We are told in scripture to pray and provide support to those who give of themselves in taking the gospel to various parts of the earth. Paul asked the church to pray “1that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified … 2and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; 3for all men have not faith." II Thess. 3:1-3 Paul thanked the Philippian church for their contribution to his care (Philippians 4:10-18). Fulltime missionaries depend on prayer, encouragement and financial support to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs, so that they can give themselves fully to the work of spreading the gospel.
Missions is a Safe Investment:
It’s very easy to let ourselves be burdened with the cares of this world and worry about money. The remedy for the anxiety caused by uncertain investments, distress and cupidity, is to seek first God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Giving to the cause of the gospel is a way to store treasures in heaven that will never fade or fail (Matthew 6:20).
We Get To Share In Their Ministry:
When we give to missions we are able to share in the work of the missionary. They are doing a work that we cannot do. By giving we are enabling them to work on our behalf and as a result we, as a church, will share in their ministry.