I love the word "balance." Dieticians tell us to eat a balanced meal. Banks like us to keep our checkbooks balanced. Balance is defined in the dictionary as, "harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole." In most areas in life and in our world balance is a good thing, and missions is no exception--balance is critical.
As a pastor, I was taught that missions is America sending someone to a foreign land to live and tell people about Christ. But I had to ask myself, "Where is the balance?" I've discovered that there needs to be balance in the way we do missions. Most of our energies and resources have been invested in the sending of missionaries, but what about the other side of the coin?
The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) challenges us to "go and make disciples." In those reached areas of the world Christians desperately need to be nurtured and trained in the faith. However, there are many that have not even heard a clear gospel presentation!
It is estimated that 87% of the unreached people groups live in countries closed to traditional missionary activities. In other words, though western missionaries can be found in almost every country in the world, in many places they must work "undercover" and consequently are limited.
So, God is raising up national ministries to carry the message to their own people and to minister to their needs. In many ways nationals have a distinct advantage in ministering in their own native land.
If you would like to help us help national ministries continue the work God has called them to do please go here to Donate Now.
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Seven Reasons to Support National Ministries
Nationals are culturally conditioned and sensitive in reaching their own people for Christ.
Nationals don't need to spend years learning a foreign language to communicate effectively.
Nationals, having been born there are physically and psychologically adjusted to both climate and culture.
Nationals have rights and privileges not extended to foreigners.
Nationals are organizationally simple, and able to live, minister, and function on a far more basic level than foreigners. For many nationals a bicycle is a luxury.
Nationals do not need to go on furlough every few years.
Nationals are economically conditioned to live on $30-$50 a month in many parts of the world. Whereas, foreign missionaries must average between $35,000-$50,000 to sustain them for a year.
Please help support the work of these ministries by Donating Here.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Prayer Requests
The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) challenges us to "go and make disciples." In those reached areas of the world Christians desperately need to be nurtured and trained in the faith. However, there are many that have not even heard a clear gospel presentation!
It is estimated that 87% of the unreached people groups live in countries closed to traditional missionary activities. In other words, though western missionaries can be found in almost every country in the world, in many places they must work "undercover" and consequently are limited.
So, God is raising up national ministries to carry the message to their own people and to minister to their needs. In many ways nationals have a distinct advantage in ministering in their own native land.
If you would like to help us help national ministries continue the work God has called them to do please go here to Donate Now.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Seven Reasons to Support National Ministries
Nationals are culturally conditioned and sensitive in reaching their own people for Christ.
Nationals don't need to spend years learning a foreign language to communicate effectively.
Nationals, having been born there are physically and psychologically adjusted to both climate and culture.
Nationals have rights and privileges not extended to foreigners.
Nationals are organizationally simple, and able to live, minister, and function on a far more basic level than foreigners. For many nationals a bicycle is a luxury.
Nationals do not need to go on furlough every few years.
Nationals are economically conditioned to live on $30-$50 a month in many parts of the world. Whereas, foreign missionaries must average between $35,000-$50,000 to sustain them for a year.
Please help support the work of these ministries by Donating Here.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Prayer Requests
Pray that the national ministries we support in India will be strengthened and comforted.
Pray for the spiritual growth of new believers and seekers who are facing opposition from their own community.
Pray for Pastor Johnpaul, his wife Sudha Rani, and their children as they faithfully press on in the Kingdom work.
Pray for the Unreached Aiton of India
Population: 5,400
World Popl: 5,400
Main Language: Aiton
Main Religion: Buddhism
Bible: None
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
World Popl: 5,400
Main Language: Aiton
Main Religion: Buddhism
Bible: None
Status: Least-Reached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated
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