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Acts 1:8 declares, “… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Does this hold true for small churches too? Join us for a glimpse into the conversation with Charmaine Stulp from Ontario, Canada, as she shares her experience with the Nepal Peace Project, along with the importance of building partnerships and relationships in missions. Whether your small church is involved in missions or desires to be, keep reading to learn Charmaine’s insight on:
- Building partnerships and relationships in missions.
- How an all-too-common savior complex gets in the way of true global partnerships.
- Three types of givers that exist, defined by what deeply moves our hearts.
The Importance Of Partnerships And Relationships In Missions
When we take a moment to look at the needs that exist all around the world, it can be so overwhelming. It’s just too much. We often feel helpless and unable to respond. However, Charmaine points out that when you become a partner with someone, and you begin to develop relationships with leaders in different countries, things start to look up. As you continue to deepen and grow that relationship, you can begin to focus your efforts and money on one area and make a difference there! When you focus on it, it becomes a richer relationship for both people.
The Savior Complex And How To Move Away From It
There’s a common problem that many missionaries face when it comes to going to another country and sharing the gospel. Some people have the mindset that they are going in and saving these people from the lives they used to lead, or that they are higher than others because they come from money. This mindset can do a lot of damage and isn’t how we should be approaching things at all.
Instead, we should be going in with the mindset that we are all partners in ministry. We are on the same team. Yes, we have different struggles and live very different lives, but at the same time, we have so many commonalities in ministry! I encourage you to shift your thinking in this and go into each situation with love and respect for every person.
The Needs Of Nepal And How They Were Met
Charmaine noticed that one of the biggest needs the people of Nepal were facing was education. It’s not accessible to everyone. More often than not, rich people can put their kids into any type of education, whereas those who are poor, don’t have the means or flexibility to do that. Because of this, Charmaine and her team partnered with the people of Nepal to work out a way to keep the kids at home all while gaining the education they need.
This program was run out of the local church. The great part about this is that the program isn’t solely based on an education initiative, it becomes an evangelism opportunity for the entire family and the community.
Finding A Way To Connect With The Missionaries Of Your Church
The distance that is between the missionaries and the rest of the church congregation is something that happens too often. We are so quick to give them money, listen to their 30 minutes in church once a year, and send them on their way. It doesn’t have to be this way. There are so many ways to be more connected to the missionaries who are a part of your church.
Connecting with people who have been doing this work for a long time is so important. I recently learned that a great way to keep a connection to these missionaries is to simply pray for them. Keep these people in your thoughts and pray for them at least once a week! Another great way to build this connection is by actually responding to their newsletter or even sending a separate email simply showing your love and support for them, and letting them know that they are being prayed for. This can be such an encouragement to them.
Why Should Global Missions Be A Priority?
There’s such a value in being connected to different places and people groups around the globe. It’s like a little piece of heaven. We know that we’re all going to be in the same place at the same time, worshiping Jesus together, eventually. We all have so many differences, but when we connect all the dots around the globe, we realize that we aren’t alone. We can see that our little church is a part of something much greater. We are a part of a family, community, and God’s global initiative!
The Three Types Of Givers
Charmaine explains that, to her, there are three types of givers. She started the explanation by telling us about Nepal. In Nepal, one of the first things they do when entering a building is take off their shoes. These shoes are left on the steps outside, and hundreds of shoes begin to pile up. The photo of these shoes is so powerful. This picture made Charmaine think about the different types of givers.
There are essentially three types of givers.
1. Practical Givers
These are people that have one good pair of shoes that they wear all the time. Because they are a practical person, they’re going to want to give to a practical place. They will give to people who are trying to keep the lights on in their restaurant. They like to give a monthly amount to global workers or missionaries.
2. Disaster Givers
There are a lot of people who are moved by disaster and poverty. The shoes that they put on are more compassionate and merciful. When they hear about an earthquake or sickness that a person doesn’t have the money to get treatment for, they are moved to compassion. These are the places they’re more likely to give money to.
3. Educational Givers
Some people are moved by education. They place a high value on education and see its impact on people. They know the potential education has to open up the world. When educational givers hear about an education initiative like the Nepal Peace Project, that is like their giving heartbeat! They wear the shoes of education.
We Are All Uniquely And Wonderfully Made
It is so important for individuals and churches to figure out what their giving personality is. This would help them focus on specific needs in a world that is full of way too many of them. There are so many needs, but this helps you decide where you want to start. God has uniquely wired each person, with unique passions! I encourage you to dig deep and learn more about where your heart is and how can you use it to help those around you!
Read More:
The Difference Between Being A Missions Tourist And Making A Missional Impact
