There’s an extraordinary list of Paul’s hardships in 2 Cor 11: ‘multiple imprisonments, severe floggings, beatings and stonings, escapes from danger, shipwrecks, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and daily concern for the churches.’ Even more amazing is that Paul describes his ministry as a wonderful gift from the Lord. He writes, “This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” (Eph 3:8)    

How might we view Jesus’ great commission for us to go to people who may be open or hostile to our message? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, like Paul, we could see it as a privilege? The good news is we can all be involved, and in fact we are each needed in different roles. 

Which of the following describe you, or could you see yourself doing? 

GOERS 

The gospel is a message that must be heard. That’s why we continue to help UK churches identify and prepare people to form or join teams in the Muslim world. We’re constantly working to equip the next generation of workers to go, love the people they live among, share Christ with them and their families, make disciples and help new fellowships to form.  

Biblical examples: Abraham’s clan, Jonah, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla and so many more! 

WELCOMERS 

We’re living in extraordinary times with millions of people migrating between countries. God has brought to our neighbourhoods people from towns and villages in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria and Somalia where the gospel hasn’t gone before. What a gift! There are unprecedented opportunities around us to befriend and bless them. Acts 17:27 tells us, “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him.” 

Biblical example: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Lev 19:34)  

MOBILISERS 

Many churches have a vision to reach communities around them – that's good! Few, however, have a vision to identify and send new people to serve the Lord overseas. After all, why would they want to give their best people away? Could your church become like the early church who listened to the Spirit to find out who should be sent from among them? Could you invite young people in your church to consider giving their lives for the sake of others?  

Biblical examples: The churches in Antioch (Acts 13), Philippi (Phil 2:25), and Lystra (Acts 16:1-4) 

PRAY-ERS 

Positioned on our knees every one of us can be asking the Lord to change the fate of peoples and places. Click here to find out how you can get involved in intercession for the nations. “Ask and I’ll give you the nations.” Psalm 2:8 

Biblical examples: The churches in Corinth (2 Cor 1:11) and Philippi (Phil 1:19), Philemon (v22).   

GIVERS 

It has always been God’s idea that some of his people would be set apart for ministry and supported financially by the rest of his people. We learn this from the Old Testament Levites, and in the New Testament from Jesus and his disciples, and Paul and his apostolic teams. This includes those who give up paid employment to move overseas and serve others. Who might you be supporting? 

Biblical examples: The women who supported Jesus (Luke 8:1-3), the Macedonian and Philippian churches (2 Cor 8:1-4, Phil 4:18). 

SUPPORT TEAM  (aka CHEER LEADERS)  

Almost everyone who has served overseas has at some point appreciated the encouragement and help of those back home. Encouraging messages, care packages, visits, and practical support such as providing accommodation or loaning a car when on furlough – all these can help people on the frontlines to thrive.  

Biblical examples: Mordecai (Esther 4:15-17), Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3), Tertias and Gaius (Rom 16:22-23), Lydia (Acts 16:40), Tychicus (Col 4:7), Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25) 

If you want to know more about any of the above roles and how you can be involved get in touch with us by calling 0303 333 5051 or email info@frontiers.org.uk  We’d love to talk with you.