Missionaries in Itineration
We also read he was on his way to Jerusalem. For me, that's like going home to Virginia, or California, or Georgia, or� Anytown U.S.A. Jerusalem was the center of Judaism � Paul was a Jew. He was, in a sense going home. And he was going home to "minister" to his own people. He had a "gift" from Macedonia and Achaia � a contribution for the poor of Jerusalem. Like Paul, we all bear gifts from God for those who support His ministry through us.
The Gift We Bring
When the missionary is at home, either having returned from a foreign field assignment or in preparation to go on an assignment, he is in a position to bring a gift to his own people. Just as Paul went to Jerusalem bearing a gift from far-off lands, so the itinerating missionary brings a gift from the land in which he serves. He brings first-hand accounts of God's mighty works in the world, tales of real miracles, of adventures and dangers overcome by God's hand. He brings the field to the people and, thus, the people to God.
I believe God's servants are also messengers to God's people bearing unique gifts for the individuals and fellowships to whom they minister. These gifts can take almost any form and probably vary from individual to individual, fellowship to fellowship. I get a chill when I think about this function � after all, God used angels as His messengers and probably still does. But He also uses human beings to do this holy work. I can just image approaching someone and saying "Fear not, for behold�!"
I have identified several gifts I've been privileged to bear to God's people throughout my journey of itineration. I know I bear these gifts because so many have come up to me to share with me the unique gift they have received through me directly from God!
The Gift of Relationship: The most important purpose of the missionary's service is to introduce people to God and guide them in the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There are many cultural "christians" in our church pews who have never entered a personal relationship with Christ and become "Christians." Many in our country have forgotten or never understood what being a Christian really means. The evangelical Christian missionary can bring that understanding to God's people! One of the greatest blessings I've received is being witness to Christians renewing their commitment to Christ and their active participation in the Body.
