World Go! Manual
The Discipline of Giving
By Grace Yates, Writing Intern
July 19, 2012
“God has a place of involvement for every Christian for the Great Commission,” said Debra Cunningham, Northeast Area Representative. “And it is the responsibility of each Christian to be involved in prayer, finances, and action or service to fill the gaps in ministry. The Great Commission is not something that can be accomplished alone, and God did not intend for this task to be done alone.”
When you see an article about giving on a ministry webpage, you probably expect a request for money. It is true that missionaries need money in order to live and reach people on their fields. WGM missionaries return to the United States on a regular basis. They travel around the country to update ministry partners, raise financial support, and encourage people to become involved in the work God is doing through them.
However, becoming involved and giving are much broader than just finances. A greater need is for prayer support. As they face spiritual battles on their fields, missionaries need people to give time in consistent prayer.
Give what you have. When Dennis and Twana Johnson, missionaries to Mexico, visited the West Coast to raise support, one family took them in for three weeks and a second family hosted them for another week. These families gave the Johnsons meals and a place to stay. Another woman let the Johnsons use her car. These gifts saved them the cost of hotels, restaurants, and rental fees—more than $3,500.
“We are not in the condition to take out monthly support in you; however, this is something we can do to help you get to the field,” one of the families said. These supporters gave what they could, like the widow Jesus praised in Matthew 12:41-44.
Missionaries cannot fulfill the Great Commission alone. They need champions and fellow servants to partner with them as they share God’s love with the world.
What might God be calling you to give? Check out the Give chapter of the World GO! Manual to find out what instruction the Bible offers us in our giving.