I was a senior at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago when I was elected president of the Missionary Union. At the time, this was the largest student mission group among Bible schools. I was a shoo-in when my only opponent dropped out of the race for some long-forgotten reason. Probably realized he had nary a chance against little old me! Right? Could be.

I loved that group, which had a super student executive team. I learned about mission projects around the world. Meeting missionaries and hearing their stories excited me for all that God was doing. Was I to be a missionary? Heading off to some foreign clime of unknown locale? Strangely, I never felt that call. So what gives? Maybe I wasn’t listening? You think? Could be.

However, take a look at the Apostle John’s third letter. It’s very short. At most a few verses. Reading it recently gave me great encouragement, along with a kick in the pants to boot! About what?

Here’s what–‘Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth’ (3 John 5-8).

It’s clear from the Apostle John’s letter that all of us can be ‘fellow workers’ with missionaries near or far when we support them. I don’t mean only in terms of money. Then again, we’re not off the hook, shekel-wise. At least, I’m not. I stew over how much to give. Not an easy gladhand with my moolah. So, I ask the Lord to loosen my tight fists and be more open-handed. Guess what? Yes, He’s working with me. Slowly but surely, fingers are wiggling freehandedly. Just me, ‘fellow worker’? Could be.

However, there’s more to this bit about team effort. As in what exactly? Actually, it’s prayer that’s called for, which is as important as financial help. Possibly more so? Makes me wonder. Too often, I downplay the effectiveness of prayer. Why? Don’t I trust that God will hear me and respond? Or does it seem like so much hot air? Could be. Here’s another area where I ask for the Lord’s help. To be Jesus’ prayer warrior and ‘fellow worker’.

Did I miss my calling as a missionary? I don’t think so. God’s team has many players who work in multiple roles. Shouldn’t we stop second-guessing God’s call? Maybe He does want you serving Him in a missionary role? Or on mission in your neighborhood? Or at work? Or school? Or writing weekly devotionals? Perhaps we should start being where the Lord plants us and doing more of what He wants. You think?

Could be!

Lord Jesus, you give your all. Help me to respond generously, doing my part for your Kingdom. Amen.