Here and There: A Vision for Missions

By GARY LONGSTAFF
Pastor, Grandview Baptist Church Springfield, MO

I imagine most of us would quickly say “investment,” but do we truly feel that way when the time comes to give? We often tell our congregations, “You can’t outgive God” when it comes to supporting our local church. But do we live by that same principle when giving to missions and other worthy ministries?
 
For me, I’ve never viewed giving to missions as an expense, either personally or as a church. The same truth still applies: We can’t outgive God.
 
About a year ago, I felt burdened to lead our church to increase our missions giving from the general fund from 10% to 15%. The church embraced it without opposition, and God has blessed that decision in every way.
 
Then, last September, while sitting in a meeting as part of the BMA Missions Advisory Board, the Lord impressed on my heart to send $100 to each of our 17 (at the time) North American church planters. But almost immediately, I thought, Why not $1,000?
 
When I returned home, I presented the idea to the church. It passed quickly, and $17,000 was sent just in time for holiday and year-end needs.
 
Around that same time, our church also became involvedin the national WMA offering for the Quillmans’ ministry in Zambia. When Mickeal and Sharon visited near the end of the campaign, we learned that the offering was several thousand dollars short of the goal. Without hesitation, someone suggested from the floor that we give the remaining amount. We did, and to God be the glory!

As more details about their building project emerged, we learned of their need for skilled help, especially with electrical wiring and installation. Jacob, a young man in our church who was about to graduate with an associate degree as an Electrical Technician, approached me and said, “Maybe I could help.” When he spoke with Mickeal, he learned the primary power source for the buildings would be solar—and Jacob had just completed a full semester on solar installation. Clearly, God had a plan! In just a few weeks, our church will send Jacob to Zambia to help with the project.

My own heart for missions grew even deeper after my wife, Kathy, and I traveled with a BMA missionary care team in August 2023 to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Meeting faithful servants from Ukraine–men and their families who chose to stay and minister in their war-torn country–left a lasting impression on me and the entire team.
 
Last year, we also sent a team to Nicaragua to serve with Bro. Oscar and Tamy Gaitán, focusing especially on their children’s ministries. Every team member came home with a “never be the same” attitude.
 
Now, as I write this, our church is preparing to increase missions giving once again, this time by an additional 33%. That means we’ll be giving twice the amount we have traditionally given to missions.
 
The Apostle Paul commended the Macedonian churches for giving to the needs of others despite their own poverty. They surrendered themselves to God’s will first, before giving financially. True giving starts with giving ourselves to God. That applies to pastors and church leaders as much as anyone else. And when we do, God moves.
 
Along with increased giving, our church has experienced revival, a renewed excitement for what God can do when His people work together with one heart. He has blessed us with new believers and new members.
 
One recent Sunday, I baptized five adults:

• A married couple returning to the Lord and His church after years away, now following Him in baptism.
  
• A brother and sister, both in their 80s, finally ready to publicly proclaim their salvation.
  
• And a man in his 50s, faithful in church for years, but never certain of his salvation, until the Lord saved him that very morning before the service began.

 
Sending the gospel around the world produces fruit at home as well.
 
Missions is not “here or there.”
 
Missions is both here and there.

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