THE CALL & COST OF MISSIONS
by Andy Huddleston and Angela Lathrom
Step 2: Read the Devotional
Andy outlines the proper perspective in writing a support letter: when he asks for support he isn’t asking for himself, he’s asking for Jesus. Both those going and those sending know the gravity and urgency of getting the Good News to the Lost all over the world. When Senders give to fund a Missionary, they are giving to Christ for the cause of building His kingdom. In his book, White
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
Knuckle Faith, Andy described his family’s needs during a time of unexpected financial trial. In anguish he penned a letter requesting support at the kitchen table in his single-wide mobile home. “There, the Lord assured us in the still, and quiet, but matter-of-fact way of His Spirit that He would move on hearts of committed friends and missions-minded churches to support us as we continued to labor for His Kingdom.” Andy believed that all Christians should be burdened by a desire to see the Gospel delivered to the nations. They would be looking for an opportunity to do whatever they could to share what Jesus has done for them.
​
The call on the life of us as Believers constrains us to the service and will of God. When our life is hidden in Christ, we are holding the testimony of Jesus. We have a different motivation than the rest of the world. We are not seeking riches and financial security. We know this earth is not our home, and therefore we do not need to strive after the provision of this life. We are motivated to the call of God, and our purpose is to do what the Father tells us. In 1976, Andy heard the call to go and deliver the hope of eternal life to the Lost of this world. He was burdened to give what he had freely received. Regrettably, almost no one was supportive. Nevertheless, he stepped out in faith into the mission field. For several years he continued to find little support for the work he was called to do. But
when he pushed through the fear and self-doubt to write that letter expressing his genuine need, describing in detail what it would take to keep him on the field, he saw a breakthrough. That letter written under the cloud of uncertainty of how his family would be provided for, produced the return of much more than financial provision. “The good response we got was not merely monthly support, but confirmation that we were indeed hearing God’s voice and doing His will…We were his laborers worthy of our wages.”
Andy’s testimony confirms that God will support those who He has called. If God communicated to you that this is your call, recognize Him as your first Sponsor. Watch for His miraculous provision, a partnering Church, or group of Individuals who has a heart for you and your ministry. God has a Go-Team tailor made for you. Believe that the finances are already provided and He has a strategy and a plan for you to answer the call He has put on your life.
​
"we are His laborers worthy of our wages"
Luke 10:7
Step 3: Pray and Reflect
Now, how about you?
1) Have you identified God as your ultimate “Supporter”? How might you need to trust Him more deeply?
2) Think about and record evidence of God’s support through:
• miraculous provision
• a partnering Church
• a group of individuals who has a heart for you and your ministry
3) How can you approach support letter writing as a more authentic request for the work of Jesus?