The Apostolic Christian Church has found it beneficial to develop a process to assess, equip, and send missionaries through HarvestCall, but we understand that there is no formula or "5 easy steps." Rather, it is the work of the Holy Spirit as the Word instructs us to "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt 9:38) It is his work to send forth missionaries and not ours.
So, why do we have a process? We do it in faith, to uphold our brethren in love and support as they are sent of the Lord. We have steps that have been determined as helpful and wise in discerning the leading of the Spirit, but they are not to replace the work of the Spirit.
In the Scriptures, we see three ways in which the Lord moves people to share the gospel across cultures:
1. Responding to a call to go
Consider how God sent Abraham to Canaan or Paul on his missionary journeys. In these examples, God called and sent his people to go beyond their own culture for a work that he had prepared for them to do. This is how many people commonly see the command to "Go ye therefore." And, as a brotherhood, the Outreach Process assists and supports brethren who willingly say "Here am I; send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
2. Going against our will
A second way the scriptures show God sending forth his Word through people is when they are forced to go against their will. Consider Joseph being sold into slavery and God's people living out his ways in Egypt. Or, the early church being persecuted and
those brethren carrying the gospel with them as they were dispersed. An example of this in our brotherhood would be how missionary work began in Japan as a result of brethren being first sent there by the military.
3. Bringing people to us
A third way that God sends His people, is when those from different cultures come into our world. Consider Ruth coming back to Judah or Cornelius sending for Peter. For many of us, this is how the Lord sends us into his work. We may have the opportunity through our workplace, school, or neighborhood to build relationships and share the gospel with those who are very different from us. As an example, there are many international students attending area colleges. They have come to us and the Lord has given us an opportunity to share the glorious gospel with them.
Be listening
So while HarvestCall's Outreach Process provides support mainly for those in the first category - those being sent - we recognize that God works in a variety of ways to spread his Word. All of us must be listening to the Lord's call to "Go ye therefore." It may be that we feel called to go, but it could be that circumstances beyond our control require us to go. Or the Lord may bring people to our doorstep. In any case, we want to be ready and willing to go as he sends because he is the Lord of the Harvest.
If you are interested in learning more about our church's Outreach Process or are considering a call to missionary service, Email Outreach Manager, Bro. Kirk Plattner or call him at 765.250.4295.
It takes a brotherhood to proclaim Christ and serve others cross culturally. On behalf of those brethren serving in the mission field, thank you for your support of them, through Emails, calls, visits, and financially through contributions to the Servant Fund. May the Lord bless you.
In Christian Love,
John Huber Executive Director
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
