March 17, 1999
GRACE & PEACE:
Hands-on missions lengthens
Baptists' global outreach
___"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it will all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
___What a wonderful time to be involved in missions! Baptists in this part of the 20th century not only can pray for and give to missions, but they can have a hands-on experience in missions.
___In previouscenturies, missions service was something carried out almost exclusively by full-time career missionaries supported by the tithes and offerings of God's people through missions societies or boards. Most people, therefore, were limited in missions involvement to praying and giving.
WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___No longer is this true. Today, a multitude who are not career missionaries can be involved in hands-on missions efforts throughout our nation and world. Several factors make this possible, such as the increased speed of travel, improved health and length of life of people in Baptist churches in Texas, and the relative financial freedom which many enjoy.
___Thousands of Baptists take advantage of these circumstances to undertake missions ministries. Increasingly, people in so-called secular jobs are realizing the potential many of these jobs afford for missions involvement. The term "lay envoy" sometimes is used for people who go to distant places to work in secular employment with a commitment to become deeply involved in missions activity. Such lay envoys sometimes are able to go where career missionaries are forbidden to go by governments hostile to the Christian mission movement.
___Other members of Baptist churches in Texas serve for extended periods as volunteers through Mission Service Corps or other organizations. Provid-ing their own expenses and serving for a year or more, these people aid in missions efforts in numerous ways in our state, nation and world.
___Other people experience hands-on missions in short-term missions projects such as those provided by Texas Baptist Men, Texas Partnerships, Baptist Student Ministries, associations, churches and other missions organizations. Short-term hands-on missions project opportunities are varied and numerous, such as constructing church buildings; preaching revivals; witnessing in jails, homes or on the streets; aiding in medical clinics; and participating in prayer walks.
___The opportunities for other than career missionaries to participate in hands-on missions ventures do not lessen the need for career missionaries. Career missionaries enable lay envoys, long-term volunteers and volunteers for short-term mission projects to function effectively. And the first-hand exposure to mission fields has resulted in increased numbers of people volunteering for career missions and increased finances through missions boards for the support of career missionaries. Because the thousands of people who have put their hands to the task of missions have done so with all their might, God has blessed in marvelous ways.
___Please pray for all involved in missions in our state, nation and world. Pray that you will be open to God's leadership to participate in hands-on missions. Pray that a multitude of people will come to know Christ as Savior and Lord because of these missions efforts.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!