Missions 101: Understanding What Missionaries Do
Challenge Accepted
After preaching in a few of the Full Gospel churches in Australia, some of the pastors challenged me. “When you evangelists come from America, all you want is to minister in our larger churches. Why don’t you go and raise us up a church?” Lester Sumrall
Today, we embark on a journey beyond the familiar walls of our churches—a journey into the heart of missionary work, where faith meets action and lives are forever changed. But what does it truly mean to be a missionary?
“One sent to spread a religious faith among unbelievers or to engage in charitable work with religious support. Relating to, engaged in, or devoted to missions” Mirriam-Webster definition
Join me as we delve into the lives of these modern-day heroes and glean wisdom from their experiences.
The Call to Missions
The Divine Commission:
when Jesus readied to leave earth, He told His apostles in Mark 16:15: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
As believers, we all have a call of God upon our lives. But for missionaries like the Allens, the call often leads them far beyond the borders of their comfort zones. Inspired by the Great Commission, fueled by a passion to see souls saved, and determined to run their race with excellence and skill, this family has dedicated themselves to spreading the word of faith across the Lesser Antilles.
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.
Preparation and Training
Equipping for the Field:
Missionary work requires more than just a willing heart—it demands preparation and training. Drawing from the experiences of missionaries like David Hogan, we see the importance of equipping ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically for the challenges that lie ahead. From language study to cultural immersion, missionaries undergo rigorous training to effectively minister in diverse and often hostile environments.
Sacrifice and Devotion:
Let us not forget the sacrifices made by these intrepid souls—sacrifices of comfort, of security, and sometimes even of life itself. Countless missionaries laid down their lives in service to the Gospel, their blood mingling with the fertile soil of the Caribbean, watering the seeds of faith that would one day blossom into a mighty harvest.
Transformative Influence
Beyond the Pulpit: A Holistic Approach to Mission:
Christian missions in the Caribbean were not confined to the walls of the church, but extended into every facet of society. Consider the pioneering work of medical missionaries like Dr. William Gorgas, whose efforts to combat tropical diseases transformed the landscape of public health in the region, saving countless lives in the process.
Legacy of Social Justice:
The spirit of Christian missions is one of compassion and justice—a spirit that inspired missionaries to advocate for the rights of the oppressed and downtrodden. From the abolition of slavery to the fight for civil rights, Christian missionaries played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape of the Caribbean.
Rediscovering Heritage
A Pilgrimage of the Heart:
As we journey through the Caribbean, let us heed the call to pilgrimage—to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, and to pay homage to the sacred sites that bear witness to their faith. From the colonial splendor of Santo Domingo to the rugged beauty of Jamaica's Blue Mountains, each destination offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Caribbean history.
Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future:
As we conclude our exploration of forgotten Christian missions in the Caribbean, let us remember that the past is not merely a relic to be admired, but a springboard from which we can leap into the future. May we be inspired by the courage and conviction of those who have gone before us, and may their legacy continue to guide and inspire us in the days to come.
A Call to Adventure
The Adventure Awaits:
Dear friends, as we bid farewell to the shores of the Caribbean and set sail for distant horizons, let us carry with us the stories of faith and fortitude that we have encountered along the way. May they serve as beacons of hope in the midst of darkness, and as reminders of the transformative power of the Gospel. Until we meet again, may the wind be at your back and the sun upon your face. Fair winds and following seas, my friends, fair winds and following seas.
D. Malcolm