COMMENTARY | Jay Ingram
As a former Journeyman missionary with the International Mission Board, I’ve had numerous people ask me, “What do week-long mission trips actually accomplish?” Well, if they are preceded and followed up with a long-term strategic prayer partnership, then a lot!
As I traveled to preach the gospel in Asian villages for two years, I can testify that my most fruitful time on the mission field was when my stateside prayer advocates were specifically praying for me that day or week (and they did this for two years).
Oftentimes, we fail to see the essential-ness of prayer in our daily lives. Maybe that’s why we reserve prayer to a formality in the church parking lot before the bus leaves or the Sunday before the trip. But once the trip over, what will we do to further the ministry? The unfortunate reality is that many mission teams and churches do not continue to pray for the ministry or locale to which they sent a mission team.
That’s why I propose that churches, small groups, and even families form strategic prayer partnerships with the ministry or communities with whom they will serve this summer. People of all ages can be a practical part of this kind of ministry.
At Delta Church in Springfield, we have formed a partnership with the IMB’s Celtic Languages Team based in Wales. Since many people in our congregation won’t be able to participate in a mission trip to Wales, they remain a vital component of the partnership since they will be praying for the Holy Spirit to draw people to salvation.
Here are a few ways people in our church, and any congregation with a strategic prayer partnership, can stay involved:
1. Many missionaries and ministries send email updates each month or have prayer calendars. This is a great way to pray for urgent requests and long-term needs.
2. Current technology allows churches to connect live with missionaries from all over the world using Skype and other software. Use this opportunity to pray as an entire church for the missionary in real time.
3. Make examples. If your church has partnered with NAMB or IMB missionaries, use their personal stories to promote the Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong Offerings. This will remind our churches that “real live” missionaries are using their offerings to preach the gospel all over the world and remind them to pray for these efforts.
Make strategic, focused prayer a vital element of your church’s missions projects and trips. Whether your mission team is traveling around the world or staying local, a prayer partnership will extend your efforts well beyond the summer.
Jay Ingram is a member of Delta Church in Springfield.
iB2 News 