The Greatest Soldiers

Nearly a year ago, on December 14, Jan sent out what would be her last caringbridge letter. She began with these words:

"We are so thankful for our Southern Baptist supporters. This month, Southern Baptist churches collect a special offering (called the Lottie Moon Christmas offering) for international missions. Our 5000+ missionaries depend on these funds each year for salary, housing, vehicles, evangelistic projects, and medical needs (like us!). We are seeing amazing growth among people groups that were unreached in years past. Just a few dollars can go a long way in providing basic support for those who serve in difficult places."

Jan was a missionary at heart. Whether overseas or next door, she was diligent in making Christ known through her words and through her actions. She also knew that the field is, indeed, ripe for the harvest.

A month ago, I had lunch with missionary Curtis Sargent. I sat with my heart leaping and my eyes wide, as he shared the story of how a few hundred Christians in an Asian country (can’t say which one for security reasons) launched a church multiplication movement just a few years ago that has resulted in over half a million house churches!

God is moving in many areas and in amazing ways. Because of the IMB’s creativity, as well as that of other agencies, we are seeing unprecedented growth in countries that have been (and some still are) closed to traditional Christian missions. Veteran missionaries are saying that this is the greatest time ever to be involved in missions.

So, when you plan your Christmas giving, please remember the greatest soldiers of all – those missionaries who work in hard places with little recognition for a goal far greater than national security. Through your giving and praying, join with the Lord so that His “salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).