The Road Back To Africa

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We have a team from our church preparing to go to Africa in 2026. As I’m writing this we are traveling a couple hours to pick up some chainsaw carvings that a good friend donated to us so we can use them to raise money to fund the trip. This is just one small way God continues to bless our missions’ efforts, and we are thoroughly grateful.

This trip is a little different because this time my wife and son are joining the group on our mission trip. Which makes it that much more special. When I went to Africa in 2024 for the first time they stayed back in the states. That was definitely a challenging time, more so for my wife, but that’s the way missions go. It’s a whole family thing, even when it’s just one person going. The whole family is affected.

This is another area God has abundantly blessed us. We have a church family that supports everyone in every way imaginable. There were people checking in on my family. There were a few events for those that stayed behind. All done to support those families with a missionary overseas. This is where holding the rope for those that are going down the well comes in.

There are 2 types of people that make up a mission’s group. Those that go down the well and those that hold the ropes. The former is pretty straightforward. You’re the one that goes on mission. You go down the well and do what is needed. The latter are those that hold the rope. The ones who stay behind and support the missionaries. The people in the pews praying for the mission. The families staying behind and keeping up with the everyday household needs and family lives. They are just as important as the missionaries doing the work, without them holding things together the work doesn’t get done. Without the prayers of all the saints in the congregation nothing would be done for the Glory of God.

So, if your church supports or sends missionaries be faithful in holding the rope. Pray diligently and frequently for them and their families. Buy the families a gift card to a restaurant or take them out to eat. Ask them what you can do to help the family back home, then do it!

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.