In a recent "exploration" of the internet, I stumbled on a picture from World War II showing how many people were needed to keep the B-25 Mitchell bomber in the air.
There were the ground crew, of mechanics, radar and tracking personnel, commanders, and other essential personnel. There were those who supplied the fuel and oil necessary for the plane to fly, and the medical personnel necessary because of the dangers of war. And of course there were the crew of the plane. In all, I think I counted about 30 people on the ground in front of the B-25 Mitchell. I doubt I gave each one an accurate title, the picture caption was the whole detail of the story, but it spoke volumes to me. Lt. Peddy and his crew of 6 men were lined up in front. (You may find this picture in the Wikipedia article on the B-25 Mitchell Bomber)
In many ways, the ministry here in Papua New Guinea and many other mission locations is like that.
What does it take to reach this man for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Like the Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navagator, bombardeer, and gunners of the B-25, our tribal teams are out in front, and hold the "glory" jobs. Tribal church planters study the language and culture of the local people. Translate the scripture and the Bible Lessons into the mother tongue of the people and teach them chronologically from Creation to Christ.
But these church planters could not be in the tribal locations without the "ground crew" and even those who would not "be in the picture" with that B-25 crew. Those tax payers who supplied the funds to put fuel and oil in the tank of that engine would be much like the home churches who support each of us through prayer and financial gifts. YOUR Role in reaching the LOST is not small. YOU are a vital part of a tribal church planting team.
So who are the men in the middle. Those who make up the ground crew, mechanics, flight chiefs and radar men? That’s where I come in as an administration worker. I handle important details which are necessary to keep the triblal workers on the front lines. But which are often forgotten by the newspapers. This is not the GLORY JOB in ministry. But it is no less important than those who send us to the field, and those who are on the front lines.
Reaching the lost is an important work, but it is not simply the front line worker who is involved. Every member of that crew was essential to keep that B-25 in the air and help to win the war, both in Europe and with Japan. And every member of the ministry team is also a vital part of the work of tribal evangelism.
PLEASE continue to pray for the many outreaches going on. Most dear to my heart at this moment is the work among the Patpatar people. But there are many other works.
Thank you for your part in the work of reaching the lost.
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