Supporting Gospel Preachers in Hard Places
by Ed Whittlesey“I would love to see the Lord’s church grow strong in this country, with healthy faithful congregations everywhere.” “I came … mainly as a result of my desire to spread the Gospel in an area which had been closed to the Gospel for 40 years. The people here were especially hungry for spiritual food …” “These brethren will meet 7-9 hours a day studying the bible and this is inspiring.” “In 1967, only a small sound group of Spanish-speaking brethren in the whole city…” “Upon visiting this place, I recognized the need for sound preaching and teaching primarily in small communities and indigenous villages.” “Opportunity.” “No one else was going there so a few of us preachers decided someone needed to.” The above responses were offered by Christian men evangelizing across several countries throughout the world when asked, “What was the single most compelling thing that made you desire to preach the Gospel in your area?”
Jesus commissioned the eleven disciples to “… Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mk. 16:15) We bear the same responsibility today. The beauty of Jesus’ directive is that there are no limitations as to where and to whom the Gospel must be spread. Whether we are convicted to share the Gospel overseas, or in our native countries and cities, we must do our part to ensure it reaches people throughout the world.
Several men who have experience preaching the Gospel in the U.S., Central and South America, Mexico, and Europe have contributed comments about their work. By sharing their input and perspective, we can evaluate and renew our convictions to be more actively involved in and support these vital efforts.
The biggest challenges of preaching the Gospel abroad.
There are a number of concerns beyond simply making the decision to go and becoming acclimated with new surroundings. It is important to understand the cultural and societal differences and ways of thinking we might be typically unaccustomed to. Actually getting tospend time with members and make new contacts can be difficult because of the society’s reserved nature. Another challenge is convincing people that the Gospel is important and relevant to their lives today, perking their interest in religious things, and getting them to agree to study the Bible. Governmental legislation such as legalizing homosexual marriage, and passing hate crime legislation (which could be used against those who preach against homosexuality) make evangelizing more complicated. Furthermore, things such as language barriers, being away from extended families, and reaching Spanish-speaking citizens (those born in the U.S.) versus those who are immigrants make the task more daunting.
Financial support: how it helps further the Gospel.
We may wonder from time to time how our monetary and material contributions are used to proclaim God’s word in difficult areas. In most cases, the need is very real and goes beyond simply providing financial stability for Preachers and their families. Other items needed to promote the Gospel in these areas are teaching materials, Bibles, occasional benevolence, transportation costs, and advertisements/flyers. In fact, without financial support these men would have significantly less time to prepare for bible classes, sermons, bulletins, home bible studies with non- Christians and members, radio programs, and other outreach activities. They would be forced to pursue secular work, which in most cases, would be difficult or nearly impossible as a foreign worker. Furthermore, working a full-time job would compromise the quality of teaching and limit evangelistic activities. Our support and involvement in these efforts is crucial in ultimately reaching souls for Christ and building up the faith of those who have come to Christ.
Improving our efforts to help further the cause of Christ in hard places.
First and foremost, we need to continuously pray on behalf of these men, their families, and their efforts to spread the Gospel. Also, in regards to our communication with the men we support, how often do we read their reports or correspond by letters, e-mails, or phone calls? They need to know they are not alone and not forgotten. Plus, such communication allows us to benefit from one another’s experiences in evangelistic outreach. Sharing effective or ineffective methods will improve our overall efforts to reach lost souls. How about sending care packages to remind the families that they’re loved and missed? Our endearment for the families in this regard can be very refreshing and uplifting. Other things worthy of our contemplation are occasional reconsideration of support needs, and being wise about whom and how we support; careful not to fall for money schemes or erroneous works. In addition, visiting and working with a foreign evangelist for a period of time would provide enormous encouragement. Perhaps many of us could accomplish this by simply delaying the purchase of our next “big ticket” item and repurposing that money to go visit one that the church is supporting. Lastly, we can aid preachers as they strive to grow in knowledge of the truth by sharing (or mailing) sermon CD’s, church bulletins, and other study materials/books.
One preacher commented, “A few can go, but it takes many to support.” Another stated, “Without the support of good brethren in other places we would be unable to work effectively.” May the Lord continue to afford us opportunities to actively participate in and support men preaching the Gospel in difficult places.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isaiah 52:7).