Local Missions

The following is an email exchange between me and a missionary a few years. It demonstrates the "local isn't missions" mindset of most American Christians. I changed his name to Bob.

"Hello Pastor,

I pray that this message finds you well in this challenging time of transition and flexibility. We have been in prayer for the National church to not only survive, but thrive during this time.

As newly appointed career missionaries with the Assemblies of God, it is definitely a difficult season to try and raise the necessary funds to get where God will have us serve. I don’t believe any other missionary class has had to try to itinerate during a year like we’ve had! We understand the tension of wanting missions to remain strong in your churches, but having missionaries in person for offerings might seem overwhelming right now.

We have been trying to think of ways to connect with churches, even if we cannot be there in person. We were invited to make a missions video to introduce ourselves along with our mission field. We wanted to share it with you in hopes to have the opportunity for you to share it with your congregation or missions committee to see if a monthly partnership is a possibility. Every little bit helps. In fact, with those that have given so far, we have a range from $5 a month all the way up to $200, and everything in between. It averages out at a little over $50 a month.

We are currently praying for 50 more partners at that $50 a month mark to be fully funded!

Would your church consider being one of those 50 to help send us to the field?

Our 5 kids are really excited as well, and they made their own video to show that! They are really wanting to go to public Slovak school so we need to get to the field by May to find housing, get a crash course in language, and be ready before the end of summer.

We are thankful for how churches have been able to keep the message of Jesus moving forward, and keeping the Great Commission the FIRST priority. We continue to pray for you!

Blessings,

Bob"

"Hey Bob,

Our entire missions budget is dedicated to local church planting! A lot a work to do everywhere, right? Keep at it.

Sincerely,

Michael"

"Thanks Michael,

I will keep at it!

Just some numbers for outside of America (pulled from AGWM)

7,421,261,170 people

6,913,172,849 spiritually lost

Until the WHOLE world hears

Bob

Missionary to Slovakia"

"I hear you, Bob. Sadly, America has gone spiritually astray. Got take care of my county first.

Warmly,

Michael"

"Michael,

I don’t disagree....completely.

However, it’s not one or the other, it’s both/and.

I’m glad the AG doesn’t have the same mindset you do. BTW, a quick search shows me you have 57 AG churches within a 50 mile radius of you. There are only 38 in the entire country of Slovakia. Many places, it’s less.

Be well,

Bob"

"Bob,

I'm not AG. Not sure how I got on your list. Clermont County is fairly rural and in the Midwest. One would assume that it is primarily Christian. However, that's not the case at all (see attached from 2010). So even though there are 57 AG churches and numerous other protestant churches within 50 miles, we are still rapidly declining even in the Heartland of America. If we don't establish effective churches, soon missionaries will be even more hard up for cash and we'll need Slovakia to send missionaries to us. Hence, my mindset.

Warmly,

Michael"

"Michael,

Your church website was somehow listed in the AG directory. So I do apologize for bothering you. But it does make sense to me now why you don’t give to missions.

Bob"

"Bob,

Well, that makes more sense.

But we do give to missions here in the states.

If you are going to plant a reformed church in a neglected county, look me up.

Warmly,

Michael"