What Gives?

[coreXian]

My point about being commissioned wasn't meant to make you defensive,

No worries!

it was to get you to see that no missionary, not even Paul, is an island. Every mission field is fraught with pitfalls and failures unless you are bathed in prayer from other Believers. Trust me, without that prayer support and encouragement from Believers, it can't be done, you will fail. It is only by the power of God and prayers that you will be able to make any effect in your adopted community at all. You would be amazed at how many missionaries and ministers fail when they don't receive this kind of support.

I've actually been paying a good bit of attention to this lack of support, and it concerns me. However, I think the support would be better from congregations if more people realized that they have what it takes to do this kind of work in their own communities. Often times it's "lack of credentials" that make up the excuse for leaving the work to the "ministers and missionaries." All you really need is to KNOW Jesus!

As for being able to stay longer by working to support yourselves, you are not realizing that immigration rules don't allow Americans to just go into a country and start working. You will need a work visa sponsored by a company in that country, and you will have to work long hours to maintain that visa and if you lose your job, get sick or quit working to devote more time to your real mission, your visa will be voided and you will have to leave the country.

I do realize these things and am currently planning for them. It makes a difference if the country you're heading to lacks professionals in your field. Many countries also have ministry visas, so there is a plan B.

You are much better off getting sent by a church or mission group because they will already know the mechanisms and workings of setting up a mission in that country.

Not excluding that possibility, but also not restricting myself to it.