How can we support missionaries in light of 1 Corinthians 16:6? Seeing Paul’s Expectation in 1 Corinthians 16:6 “And perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.” • “Help me on my journey” (Greek: propempō) carries the idea of furnishing, equipping, and escorting a missionary so the gospel keeps advancing. • Paul assumes the Corinthians will play an active role; partnership in missions is not optional but integral to church life. The Biblical Pattern of Missionary Support • Acts 15:3 – the church at Antioch “sent” Paul and Barnabas with provision and blessing. • Romans 15:24 – Paul looks to be “assisted” by the Roman believers on his way to Spain. • 3 John 6-8 – we become “fellow workers for the truth” when we “send them on their way.” • Philippians 4:15-18 – gifts sent to Paul are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Practical Ways to “Help Them on Their Journey” Today 1. Financial Partnership • Regular giving through your church or reputable mission boards. • One-time gifts for special needs (vehicles, visas, equipment). 2. Hospitable Care • Open your home during furloughs or layovers. • Provide transportation, child-care, medical connections. 3. Physical & Logistical Provision • Ship needed books, technology, or clothing. • Assist with paperwork, tax prep, language resources. 4. Persistent Prayer • Adopt a missionary family; pray by name for health, boldness, fruit (Colossians 4:3-4). • Organize monthly prayer gatherings; share answered prayers with the field. 5. Encouragement & Communication • Send handwritten letters, voice messages, care packages (Proverbs 25:25). • Celebrate milestones—birthdays, ministry anniversaries. 6. Advocacy Before the Church • Invite missionaries to speak; keep their stories before the congregation. • Champion missions in youth groups and small groups. 7. Short-Term Service & Skill Sharing • Offer construction help, medical clinics, teaching workshops. • Provide online mentoring or administrative back-up from home. Promises and Blessings Tied to Missionary Support • Matthew 10:40-42 – receiving a messenger equals receiving Christ; even a cup of cold water earns eternal reward. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 – generous sowing brings abounding grace and thanksgiving to God. • Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply all your needs” is spoken to a mission-supporting church. A Shared Mission, a Shared Reward Supporting missionaries is more than charity—it is active obedience to Christ’s command and a tangible expression of gospel partnership. By meeting their practical and spiritual needs, we extend our reach to “wherever” God sends them, echoing Paul’s confidence that the church stands behind every faithful messenger of the Word. |
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