As a young missionary I often feel discouraged because I don’t see the results that I would like. I find that it’s easy to get caught up in the daily struggles of ministry and lose sight of the big picture. I want to see leaders trained and multiple churches started but I feel that progress is slow. Recently, I shared some of my struggles with a group of missionaries, a team, a band of brothers, united by a common bond and ministry philosophy. I was surprised by the replies. I found that I wasn’t the only one that felt that way. As a matter of fact, one particular missionary who has a very successful ministry In Chile, South America shared with me that in his life and ministry the discouragements greatly outweighed the victories. He said that when he focused on the daily struggles he got discouraged, but when he sat back and viewed the progress of the gospel over a long period of time he was able to get a better view of the true advancements that had been made.
I decided to change my focus. To thank God for what he has done and trust that greater things are still to be done for his glory. I was reminded of how many people say that it can’t be done in this part of the world and that Spaniards are just too hardened to the gospel. Then I thought about Paco, a Spaniard that visited our church three years ago with his daughter. He had received a gospel DVD in his mailbox and had wanted to visit our church for several months but couldn’t get himself to go. Finally he came and started visiting regularly. After a few months hearing the gospel he was saved. Last Sunday Paco was teaching the adult Sunday School class, clearly expounding the Scriptures. Words cannot express what it means to me to hear the gospel being proclaimed with that distinct Spanish accent.
It’s moments like these that allow us to get the proper perspective. It’s not about me; it’s about Christ. It’s not about programs; it’s about people. People like Paco and many other whose lives have been changed by the power of the gospel. Thank you for your prayers.
Your recent e-mail update with a link to this article was forwarded to me today. Thank you for your boldness in sharing the reality of missionary life. I’m scheduling a link to this post to be shared from the Edify Hub facebook page and twitter feed for next week.
“It’s not about programs; it’s about people.” — So true. Seeing the impact on even one person can be just that perspective change we need.
Thank you Steve. I hope the article will be a help to others. The Edify Hub page is very interesting. May God bless you.