In much of life it is not what you know but who you know that counts. It seems that God loves to work through relationships to accomplish His purposes.
Advocates have played a huge role in my life. They have blessed me with their energy, talents, wisdom, resources and time.
A Sunday School teacher told a story about God. My mother helped me see that Jesus was the only sacrifice God will accept for my sin. A mission mobilizer told me about remote people who have no knowledge of Christ. Many others built my faith and taught me God’s Word. My parents constantly encouraged me to stay the course through the difficult years of aviation training. Much of our financial support these past decades has come through the advocacy of individuals who promoted our ministry and sponsored us into churches or events. So many people valued my life enough to get involved! Some have been very influential in sending work teams overseas to help.
We now have the opportunity to advocate for the people who have no voice: entire language groups of people who have no access to God’s word. Just as Jesus advocates for us before the Father, now we are able to advocate for others. This, I believe, is God’s design: that we bless others as we have been blessed and teach them how to pass on God’s blessings. Evangelism, church planting, discipleship, equipping – each has a part in passing on our blessings.
The urgency is that only our generation of people can reach this generation of tribes with the Gospel before they all pass into an eternity separated from God. None of us can reach them alone. Each people group will require an investment of many measured in years.
One of the greatest helps to us is people who are able and willing to introduce us into their familiar groups of friends and activities. Such advocates are so very valuable in building relationships with people who want to have a part in reaching remote tribes with the Gospel. This gives us the opportunity to advocate for the tribes among people who are already interested.
Please pray with us for the resources and open doors to advocate for the tribes among churches, universities, schools, conventions, small groups and other gatherings of God’s people. Please pray for laborers. Please pray for the supporters to send them. Please pray for us for wisdom in speaking about God’s glory, treasure in heaven and the unreached tribes. We want to bless others, tribes, missionaries and senders, with the blessings we have received. Please pray for more advocates.