With the devastating introduction of COVID-19 and all of its glorious luggage, myriads of vacations, events, and plans have been at best postponed, but more than likely canceled altogether, including that missions trip that you were so excited about.
My church had three incredible trips planned for 2020 and all three have unfortunately been canceled.
Certainly, there is no small amount of disappointment if you are missing out on your trip. But what’s more, think about the hundreds of missionary and national hosts unable to welcome the teams from which they would have received so much help. Not this month. Probably not even this year.
Maybe you hadn’t planned on going on a missions trip this year, but having a heart for global evangelization you’re concerned about the future of cross-cultural ministry. Whatever the case, What are we to do now? How are we supposed to help our global partners in the light of the stifling Coronavirus?
First of all, we can be assured that the events of 2020, most notably COVID-19, have not taken God by surprise. The same God who called each missionary to the field, each national leader to their task, and even each short-term team member to their trip, knew this virus would come and interrupt all of our best laid, prayed-over plans. At the risk of sounding cliché, I emphasize, God. Is. Still. In. Control.
In fact, I have a pretty good feeling (according to God’s track record throughout history) that even greater missions-oriented accomplishments will arise not only in spite of, but as a result of our trips being canceled. But how might that involve us? You have a huge heart for missions but wonder, “What in the world can I do.“
I have a few ideas, alternative activities that any of us can do in the absence of physical, geographical missions trips, that could make an enormous global impact.
First, most missions trips cost each individual a fair chunk of change. In most cases support is raised from multiple sources including family and friends, various fundraising activities, savings, etc. What if, even though you aren’t able to go on a physical trip, you still raised your support? What if, instead of using that money for airfare, insurance, and ground costs, you raised it for the host toward a special project or general need?
For example, if fifteen team members each continued to raise what was their required $2,500 for a canceled trip to Tanzania, and in turn sent it on to Michael Titus for whatever project, that would be a total of $37,500! Even better if non-team members pitched in! I can only imagine all that Michael could accomplish with that kind of gift once he regained consciousness.
Second, and on even a grander scale, what if, during the dates of your would-be trip, you committed to pray each of those days for a specified amount of time, for the host and the people to whom they minister? Can you imagine the impact (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially) it would have on every host and the all the peoples to whom they minister, if each team member did this?
Third, today’s social media makes it so easy to communicate with the rest of the world. What if a global partner used you to simply testify, teach a lesson, or even train individuals or groups in some way that they may not be able (This isn’t just limited to spiritual or theological topics, but any other skills)? How cool would that be?!
Or, how about simply contacting one of our global partners by email and encouraging them in some way? What about sending them a care package full of things they wish they had but can’t get abroad?
Would you be willing to do any of this?
If so, I’d be more than happy to speak or correspond with you. Do you have any ideas? Please leave some comments below! I’d love to hear from you, whether on my blog page or my Facebook page. If you’re one of our global partners would love to hear your thoughts as well!
You can find a list of our global missions partners at www.charity.church/ministries.
Sean's World Beat 