Sometimes missionaries lose support when they are away from home. Maybe there was a change of vision, maybe unmet expectations, or maybe they weren't seen as “strong enough” so their supporters decided to support someone with a better record of success – even when the missionary was simply being faithfully obedient.

Whatever the reason, when that happens, it can leave a missionary feeling lonely and isolated. It can separate them from the resources and break relationships.

But it doesn't have to be like that. We serve a God who honors faithful obedience and upholds the weak and oppressed. And, as Keith Smith shares, we can be part of the problem when we focus on being there to form healthy relationships in the beginning, support them through the tough times, and love them as people and fellow laborers in the Kingdom.Audio Player

What We Talked About

* 0:00:26 – About This Week's Show* 0:01:06 – Introducing Keith Smith and our topic* 0:02:34 – What's the magnitude of the problem of missionaries losing the support they need?* 0:03:31 – What are some key reasons commitments or relationships are broken in missions?* 0:05:03 – One fatal mistake many missionaries make* 0:05:55 – Sometimes missions agencies or churches change their policies* 0:07:05 – Are there any indicators of potential problems before a missionary ever leaves the country?* 0:07:53 – How being real opened a Muslim refugee up to the Gospel* 0:08:52 – Lack of communication from the sending church or organization* 0:10:20 – What are the deeper impacts of broken sending relationships with missionaries?* 0:14:04 – Does the fear of backlash or losing support lead missionaries to begin walking in isolation?* 0:16:17 – The three stage process of healing* 0:17:38 – What are the first couple of things a missionary should do if they lose a portion of their support?* 0:18:18 – 1 – Prayer is the most important* 0:18:45 – 2 – Talk with trusted friends* 0:19:11 – 3 – Have an open dialog with the people who left and those who remain* 0:19:41 – How Keith was able to save a damaged relationship.* 0:20:23 – Is there anyone a missionary should NOT reach out to?* 0:23:35 – How do you honor both a missionary and their sending organization when confidentiality is a concern?* 0:26:55 – Is there ever any backlash from refusing to share confidential information?* 0:28:26 – What kinds of things are possible when missionaries get the support they need during a difficult time?* 0:34:57 – We are only responsible to be faithful with what God has given us.* 0:37:13 – What can we do to help support healthy relationships with missionaries?* 0:38:00 – Healthy perspective an relationships start with honesty from the beginning.* 0:41:41 – The value of having a Christian presence in difficult countries* 0:44:22 – How can we talk about a God-given vision with humble honesty and deep faith?* 0:45:07 – One successful missionary seemed to have no fruit for nearly 30 years.* 0:48:41 – How does our misunderstanding of sowing and reaping play into misunderstanding what's happening when a missionary is simply being obedient?* 0:49:18 – The little church that was a conduit for incredible missionary support.* 0:52:12 – Teddy bears to the rescue!* 0:54:47 – What is one thought you'd like to leave us thinking about in terms of supporting missionaries?* 0:55:08 – Everything comes back to communication.* 0:55:36 – Get on the phone or Skype.* 0:56:53 – A $3.00 per month call nearly anywhere phone option.* 0:58:26 – A challenge for YOU!* 0:59:11 – What's coming next week and welcome to Denise* 1:60:02 – Join me, Kent Annan, and Gena Thomas for a Twitter Chat on June 1, 2017

Resources & Contact Info

* Website: jesusgathering.