We who are called "Faith Missionaries" are, in reality, "Fruit-bearing" Missionaries, but what is that? or rather who are they? More importantly: "Why" are they?
In my opinion, much more could and should be said historically.
In Philippians 4:6 Paul explains the reality of being a fruitful missionary is founded in the core lifestyle of every true believer being a fruitful "learner."
We are people:
1. who learn to depend on honest prayers;
2. who learn to look to God's peace...in Christ Jesus;
3. who learn to find the presence of God by thinking on and doing the 'things" of God's Word;
4. who learn to rejoice in the Lord through the care that is given us by our brethren;
5.who have learned "to be content" and/or to be learning "to do all things" through Christ who strengthens us;
6. who accept the limitations of only some churches "communicating" or contributing to their financial necessities;
7. who understand this is how God provides fruit to the account of a church,
8. who appreciate gifts to be odours "... of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God;" and
9. we are those who remind believers (by our lives) that "God shall supply all your need according to his riches ... by Christ Jesus!"
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Due to the Biblical message of Philippians we who are teachers are in reality also learners!
The reality of learning to be and remaining as a faithful and fruitful missionary is a real day to day and life-long challenge of personal Christian faith. The prayers of others, our family, friends and caring congregations intercede on our behalf for God's gift of comfort, grace and strength (2 Cor 1:3-7). Then our human fears, frustrations and family pressures which (seem to come... just so often)... seem too great or so serious become the reality of sharing in ministry together! (2 Cor. 1:8-11) Often these challenges to our faith makes our personal responsibilities, such as meeting our family's needs, seem like an unbearable crisis of faith! Sometimes (and regrettably often) on almost a daily basis - surely all too often throughout our lives - finances seem like nightmares. In 2 Corinthians 1:12 Paul explained: "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
The realities of Health can challenge us too! The reality of uncooperative people - sometimes (yes) these people seem just somehow dedicated to be difficult toward us, they can challenge us, as well.(Hebrews 13:5-7, 17) There are other challenges too, of course but well, what can I say - maybe "dying to self" ... might be our greatest challenge. To keep these matters of faith "under control" ... we daily read the Word of God (often Psalms, Lamentations or 2 Cor 4:7-12), we pray daily (often with tears), we (as couples) look to each other (often frightening each other), we individually read the biographies of those who went before us (often their lives seem easier) and we, of course, try to quieten our hearts in the peace that only God can give.
The realities of the unknown, regarding what we cannot "see" that may be ahead. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father."
We wonder what "reality" will be next, where now and then what challenge will be next .... whatever, whenever and wherever? But we by faith have chosen and are choosing to be what we will be ... just, by His grace and by keeping-on trusting Him!
There is no question about it , faith - at least not from my perspective - is, in "reality" really very "hard to have!" One might rather say faith requires remaining focused (Hebrews 12:1-3) on Christ alone and this .... with the world, flesh, the devil, and the false teachers (1 John 2:12-19) can be hard or most complicated to maintain. Thankfully, God is ever faithful. We must be responsible, self-disciplined, committed to Him first of all! Surely, we must willing to love, forgive and hope ....just so we can walk by faith - to His Glory! We are to "Keep on keeping on" by living according to His Word .and ... He will greet such faithful ones with the words, "well done...."!
Pray for us and be assured of our prayers for you, as well.
Our Lord is coming soon and we want to be living lives that bring Him praise on that day!
1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundanta mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for youb, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."
Thanks for entertaining my thoughts! Thanks for praying for the many missionaries or church planting evangelists living by faith. Remember to pray for all the others living by faith, as well! So many pastors serving (especially in smaller) congregations, Bible college students and the many faithful (uncompromising) church members who also walk by this Biblical plan of living by faith and living for their fruit to be credited to the accounts of others who walk alongside them.
Marc Sr
Cape Town
