![\"ExponentBorder\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/randy-smyth\/files\/2015\/10\/ExponentBorder.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nExponent<\/strong>: One<\/span> that<\/span> speaks<\/span> for,<\/span> represents,<\/span> or advocates:<\/span> My father is<\/span>\u00a0an exponent<\/span> of missions<\/em>.<\/em> A\u00a0person<\/span> or thing<\/span> that<\/span> explains<\/span> or interprets.<\/span>\u00a0(thefreedictionary) <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Do missionaries need to be explained or interpreted? Well, it seems to help. A lot!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Mission exponents have greatly assisted my ability to serve as a missionary.<\/p>\n As I was preparing to go overseas, one person asked, “How may I help?” “Who do you know?” I responded. \u00a0He took me to his previous home church which was a four hour drive away. The people in the church there have supported our ministry\u00a0through prayer and gifts for more than two decades.<\/p>\n Another family asked, “What can we do?” I was planning to be in the area for a short time and did not know how to see everyone I wanted to see. They organized a Saturday afternoon meet and greet at their church and sent out state-wide invitations. Later they arranged for me to be the missionary speaker during a week of\u00a0vacation Bible school. The people at that church have also prayed and supported our ministry since that time.<\/p>\n Overseas I met a visitor who asked where I would be living during my home assignment. I did not know. I anticipated traveling from California to Maine, Texas to Michigan and Florida to Washington. He said, “Come to Spokane!” \u00a0My younger brother had recently moved half an hour away from there, so I agreed.<\/p>\n When I arrived in Spokane I was the visitor\u00a0in my new friend’s\u00a0home\u00a0territory. He\u00a0introduced me to people in his church, invited me to speak in small groups, introduced me to church leaders, drove me to some community meetings, provided opportunity to help lead a Sunday School class and found a place for me to live. I was not there long. Less than a year later I met my wife and moved away. Ministry locations have\u00a0kept us at a distance. Still the church there has lavished unmerited favor\u00a0and honor on us ever since.<\/p>\n I praise God for exponents and their exponential influence! These people have inspired me as I learn how to be an exponent for the declaration of God’s glory among the tribes.<\/p>\n How can I be an exponent on behalf of other people? What can I do that will have lasting impact on the people I serve and the people whom they serve? What amazing things will God do? I love to see God breathing\u00a0life into people!<\/p>\n