Your Questions Answered – The Heart for Short-Term Mission
David and Julie McIntosh have been labouring with the Australian Navigators for over a decade, leading our Short Term Missions ministry for some years during that time. We asked them:
What are some characteristics of a helpful posture as we consider serving and not hindering the long-term ministries we seek to serve?
Short term mission is a privilege. Preparing our heart and posture is just as important as any programs, skills or resources we take with us.
We are guests within a culture, within ministries, homes and communities. We are invited in, embracing the “different” things as grateful visitors (Eph 4:1-3). As humble guests, we are ready to be flexible and expect that we will learn from those we seek to serve.
We are encouragers, seeking to bless the long-term labourers and local believers we meet (Heb 10:23-25). So often, those serving on the mission field do so with very little affirmation. What a privilege it is to have the opportunity to change that, even if only for a season!
Jesus took on the nature of a servant for the sake of God’s kingdom (Phil 2:3-4). As we engage in short-term mission, remember that we do so in service of the gospel, not for our own agendas or encouragement. Sometimes this may involve relieving locals from the tedious or messy jobs.
We go with a consistent posture of prayer. (Phil 1:3-6). Jesus Himself set an example of consistent prayer amidst His ministry (Mark 1:35). It is the Spirit of God at work through us which transforms our words and actions in Kingdom work.
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Featured image of people walking towards a village by Evan Wise on Unsplash.
Your Questions Answered – A Heart for Missions
We, as Australian Navigators, have a deep desire to go on mission; our heart is for the nations. We asked one of our Associates why he has a heart for missions, not just locally but overseas as well.
Why do you have a heart for missions?
Jesus’ parting words were to tell his disciples that they would be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. We can still say today, two thousand years later, that He is calling us all to the same mission. Later this month, I will have the privilege of joining a group of Navigators going to [South Asia] to do this very thing.
Why go overseas when there is need here in Australia?
While it is true that we can take part in this calling at home in our own neighbourhoods, I believe Jesus is also calling us to take his message to the nations. And especially so when there are nations where it is likely that people could live their whole lives without hearing about him. Jesus has given us the words of eternal life. But having gone on previous trips like this in the past, I know that it is not only for their benefit that we go, but also for our own. Stepping out of our comfort zones in faith forces us to be keenly aware of the fact that we must always rely on God, and reminds us that all spiritual growth we see, whether in our lives or those we minister to at home comes only by the working of the Spirit. So I eagerly look forward in faith in anticipation of the work that might be done in us and through us in the coming months.
Interested in overseas mission trips or simply want to find out more about God’s heart for the nations? Get in touch with us:
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Featured image of man gazing up into starry night by Paul Pastourmatzis on Unsplash.
