Finances or Relationships?

As a missionary I am in a interesting position as it relates to my needs. The Lord gives me the opportunity to share prayer requests publicly when presenting my ministry in the form of prayer requests. And it may seem strange to some of you, but I have really wrestled which prayer requests I should share.

Obviously almost every missionary is in need of financial support. Even those who are able to live comfortably on the finances they receive would like to receive more because of the ever increasing costs of living. During deputation my ministry presentation climaxed with a request for financial support, or prayer that the Lord would supply my needs.

I still have financial needs and desire new support. But that is no longer the thing which I ask people to pray for. Most people would understand that there is a financial need anyways so there is no real need for me to share it. So instead of challenging them concerning support I ask for something which is actually much more precious. That’s people who would be partners with me in my ministry.

Now allow me to briefly explain what I mean by this. Many missionaries encourage people to sign up for their prayer letter each month. And once each month they send a ministry update either by email or regular mail to the supporters. I currently do this with a number of people. But there is a desire in my heart to have sort of a stronger relationship with those people. One where we would communicate back and forth with each other during the month.

This could involve a lot of different things like sharing prayer requests, or blessings from the Word of God. Or maybe just telling someone that you are having a bad day. Almost all of it would be electronic (facebook, skype, blog, twittter) but even that electronic communication can minister to the hearts of others.

Last weekend I spoke at a supporting Church in Maryland and it got me really thinking about this. I expected some people to remember me since I had been there before and they supported my ministry. But I was totally overwhelmed by the love and acceptance that they gave to me. I actually developed some close friendships in that short amount of time (Saturday night to Monday morning) and those friendships were a great encouragement to me.

The church also sent me home with the largest check that I have ever received in my ministry. But I could have returned with nothing and my heart would have still been filled with joy. For in the long run having friends who will stand by you in the hard times is much more important than finances. And many years after the money is gone those close relationships will be stronger than ever.

I had the chance last Friday to talk with a close friend about my ministry. We were discussing what the Lord did through me in Australia and the burden he had placed upon my heart. I finally asked her to tell me what in her mind discipleship, or mentorship was all about. She answered by telling me people wanted to be loved and accepted.

That conversation and my experience last weekend encouraged me to focus my energy on developing closer friendships with those who receive my prayer letters so that they will truly become partners in my ministry. For it is ridiculous to focus on financial needs while much more important ones are left unmet.