Missionaries in Itineration
Here we return to the crux of my friend's initial question, which reflects the perceptions of many people I've encountered. In essence they are asking: Isn't it enough that the missionary has surrendered himself and all that he has treasured and worked for all his life, is leaving everything that is familiar, including friends and family, and is having to learn a new and very foreign language and culture? Doesn't it suffice that the missionary has surrendered any potential of promotion and the pursuit of earthly accomplishments and acquisitions to serve God and His beloved people in humility, abstinence and discipline? Isn't the whole point of the missionary's calling to go into all the world and make disciples of men? Then why must she also spend all this time and energy raising support instead of using that same time and energy working in the field? Isn't it somewhat humiliating � kind of like begging for money � just so she can go do what God has called her to do in the first place? It just doesn't seem right.
I must confess that I asked all of these questions myself when I first faced the issue of support-raising. In addition to all of these questions, I had to face my fear of approaching churches and individuals to ask them for their support. I was confident that it was Biblical for me to do so, but it was extremely uncomfortable and, yes, it felt a bit like begging at first. There are also many who struggle with shyness and fear of public speaking, which only adds to the stresses inherent in the process. My own trepidation had nothing to do with shyness or a fear of speaking in public � I am very blessed with an outgoing personality and I truly enjoy public speaking. My fear was that everyone I'd ask would say no! What happens if a missionary doesn't raise the needed support and thus cannot fulfill his calling?
The Surrender
I praise our God that He not only welcomes such questions, but is more than able to provide all we need in answer. My initial fear of approaching God's people for financial support was so intense I actually shook. I spent hours on my knees or at my dining room table, covered with all the Bible studies and support-raising training materials, or pacing back and forth in my small apartment miserably telling God how scared I was and how helpless I felt. I truly faced failure before I even began! I had to be reminded of my commitment to God, which I now know He formulated especially for me, to do anything He asked me to do and go anywhere He sent me no matter how I felt about it! And I felt awful!
