A WORD TO THOSE WHO SEND
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A worker needs a local church that will stand
by him with advice and practical support. The congregation
also needs those who are sent in obedience to the
great commission to enrich the life of the local
church.
Sending short-termers can be a real investment
in their lives.
Sending short-termers can be a real investment
in their lives.
It is wonderful to be involved in a short-term
or
ongoing mission outreach. The formative effect
in
a young person's life is remarkable. It gives
him/her
the opportunity to experience a foreign culture
and unusual conditions. It also teaches him/her
how to handle responsibility. Young people who
return from this type of outreach often become
more extensively involved in the work of the local
church on their return, and find direction for
their own future. Enabling someone to have the
opportunity to take part in an outreach such as
this can be a real investment in his/her life.
The local church has the opportunity to grow – God
will also bless those who send.
The local church has the opportunity
to grow – God
will also bless those who send.
You as pastor, parent or spiritual leader of such
a young person,
have the responsibility to guide him/her. Do encourage
young
people to take part in outreaches. However, you
should try to
judge the young person's maturity and motives
for becoming
involved in such an outreach. He/she would probably
appreciate
the balanced advice of an older person. It is
also clear from the Word that those who go should
be sent by the local church. Thus it is good to
involve the Church and let workers preparing to
go on such an outreach tell the church about it.
Feedback should be given when they return (Acts
13:2,3). The local church will grow in insight
on hearing how the Lord has used them.
If you are satisfied in the Lord that a certain
young person's involvement in such a mission is
good and right, the question of financing him/her
needs to be carefully considered. This involves
estimates of costs and of the feasibility of raising
the funds. Part of the task of sending people out
into the mission field is to make it financially
viable for them to go (3 John 5-8).
May the involvement of young people in mission
outreaches be a wonderful experience for you as
a local church, spiritual leader or parent. God
does not only pour out His blessings on those who
are reached, but also on those who go, and those
who send them.
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