Missions, Buildings, and Growth
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Does our giving money to missions have a direct impact on the blessings of God on a local church? Does our involvement in missions have a impression on our own church growth? I would suggest they are probably very much connected.
As the Apostle Paul was commending the Philippian Christians for their faithful financial support the Lord tells him to add this truth: “I will supply your need.” The church had support Paul for a long time and have given sacrificially. In some instances, they were the only ones who were helping Paul on his mission trips. Paul is thankful and says that “fruit has been added to their account.” Because they gave to missions – God promised to supply all the needs they had.
God met the needs of the individuals, the families, and the church – because they trusted God and used their resources to propagate the Gospel into all the world through their missionary – Paul.
I recently read about one pastor who had challenged his church in missions giving and the promises made on the faith promise cards were the most ever received in that church. The church was in a life stage of growth and was needing new land and was hoping to build a new building on the land. But the pastor knew they could not stop going with the Gospel or stop sending missionaries. It would be understandable to focus only on your church and the needs that you have. He understood the church needed to remain committed to gospel missions.
The week after the promises came in, a deacon came to him and said, “I found the land.” After months searching for the right piece of land, they found 15 acres.
The pastor said, “I have asked for the people to give so much to missions, I can’t go ask them for more right now.” Perhaps other preachers reading this have been there too. I have.
Around Washington DC, the land is expensive. It is probably expensive where you live too! $3 million was needed for that land. The deacon said, “I will buy the land and give it to the church.” Incredible.
The pastor wrote that he believed that because the church was faithful to support missions that God, in turn, provided them their new place of worship.
We are blessed to partner with several missionaries and have committed to pray for and send finances to help them further the Gospel into their part of the world.
As we make “Faith Promises” to God about missions giving, please remember God’s promise to “Supply your every need.” It will affect your life, and our church in a positive way.
I look forward to the day the Lord supplies our new building. He already gave us the land! Praise the Lord for that. Let’s keep giving the Gospel here – and abroad thorough our missionaries. Let’s see our faith increase during mission conference.
Story found in Bud Calvert’s book: “God’s Passion.”
EDC Christian 