Spr ing 2014
Holding the Rope:
Missions Is More than the Missionary by Dr. Kevin L. Brosnan
Holding the Rope: Analogy
The year was 1792. William Carey, later dubbed the “father of the modern missionary movement,” had challenged his Baptist brethren to obey their responsibility to take the Gospel to unreached lands. Baptists of mid-England formed The Particular Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Heathen and appointed Carey and John Thomas to go to India as missionaries. In 1793, Carey said a tearful farewell to his church in Leicester, England. The Society then came together for a farewell service for Carey. Sometime during that all-day meeting, Carey met with the four leaders of the Society. Those men promised Carey that, “as he went forth in the Society’s name and their Master’s, they should never cease till death to stand by him.” Andrew Fuller, one of those men, later described the occasion with an analogy. He said that the mission to India seemed like a few men who considered going into a deep, unexplored mine. It was as if Carey said, “Well, I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” The meeting, in Fuller’s mind, was as if he and the other brethren gave their word that “whilst we lived, we should never let go the rope.” The analogy stuck. Missionaries today continue to go “down into the mine,” seeking to win those who have never heard and to shine the light of the Gospel into the darkest corners of humanity. These frontline soldiers of the cross continue to rely on those who “hold the rope.” The rope analogy stuck, because it pictures a biblical truth—God designed New Testament missions to be a team effort. Maybe God has not called you to be a foreign missionary. The question then is, “How do we hold the rope for the missionaries?”
Holding the Rope: Access
Just as the men of the Baptist Society faithfully “held the rope” for Carey over many years, so Baptist World Mission “holds the rope” for missionaries today. In fact, we believe the necessity of a mission agency has only grown since Carey’s day. An increasingly complex and dangerous world presents new technical challenges for today’s missionaries—challenges which are often impractical or impossible for the average local church to navigate. BWM “holds the rope” through time-tested expertise in financial, governmental, logistical and educational assistance. Through these
services, BWM provides missionaries with access to foreign fields, local churches and an array of logistical support. BWM also gives missionaries access to churches by providing moral, ethical and doctrinal accountability. For the missionary, access is everything.
In This
While the value of a mission board is highlighted for all to see Issue during a time of crisis, the missionaries themselves best understand how BWM “holds the rope” for them every day, freeing them to focus on the work of planting churches worldwide. BWM believes monthly support for the home office or field administrators is a very wise use of foreign missionary dollars. Your prayer and financial support of the home office and its administrators are important and practical ways to “hold the rope” Highlights from the for the missionaries.
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Highways & Hedges
Holding the Rope: Affirmation
Perhaps the most important way we “hold the ropes” for missionaries is by remaining faithful to the Word of God ourselves. Missionaries rely on their supporting churches and mission board to stand firm in this day of theological drift. Our missionaries often express thankfulness that BWM has never wavered from its historical commitment to personal sanctification, separation from ecumenism and a literal, dispensational interpretation of the inspired Scriptures. Many a missionary on furlough has been disheartened to find some of his supporting churches or mission board in various stages of compromise. Instead of “holding the rope,” some are “dropping the ball,” and the consequences are grave for the missionaries, the churches and the Great Commission.
3 Mission Matters Holding the Rope (Cont.)
4 Itineraries
On the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary in 2011, BWM’s Board of Trustees, directors and administrators signed “A Solemn Reaffirmation,” which stated in part, “we reaffirm to our constituency and the world that our purpose is and shall continue to be carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth through a ministry that is ‘strictly Baptistic and committed to local church ideology, biblically missionary and dedicated to the establishment of kindred Baptist churches worldwide; unquestionably separationist in affiliation and practice; and unashamedly fundamentalist in recognition of the sole authority of the Word of God’” (Reaffirmation quotes from BWM’s original mission statement).
Continued on page 3.
Ready to Go. Gone!
Highlights f r o m
t h e
Highways & Hedges
The items in this issue’s “Highways & Hedges” are drawn from a broad spectrum of missionary experiences, both heart-warming and humorous. Following such a harsh winter here in America, readers may take some solace in reading about a mission field where there is 20 feet of snow. We also think you will enjoy learning how one missionary in Africa used a bar of soap. The two soul-winning accounts from Canada remind us that God is always at work, even when we don’t see the evidence. Finally, we know you will be encouraged to see how God has blessed the Wrights’ deputation ministry.
Ontario, Canada
One of our missionaries in Ontario, Canada, who prefers to be left unnamed, shared a story which illustrates that God is sometimes working in the heart, even when there may be no encouraging external signs. Cathy recently told the missionary she had kept his tract in the pocket of her work apron for the last year and had read it daily. The missionary recounts, “Tuesday, we had the opportunity to visit her in her home. Her hospitalized husband had been told he did not have long to live and would never return home, but he came home from the nursing home a few weeks ago and is amazingly healthy. We tried to explain that God has spared him for the opportunity of salvation, but he kept saying he wants to just work on it in his own time. But his wife Cathy was under strong conviction as I went through the tract explaining the Scriptures regarding salvation. My wife took her to another room, where they could talk alone and answer questions. Cathy prayed, repenting of her sins and asking Jesus Christ to save her! Almost immediately, she put her hands to her face and began to speak of how horrible some things in her past were and her need to make things right with some other people she had wronged.” Cathy told the missionary couple, “You are the messengers God has sent. Everyone else gave up on us long ago, but you kept coming back.”
Furlough Replacement
Since the last issue of the Messenger highlighted the Furlough Replacement ministry, we are delighted to share this excerpt from Jim and Myra Wright’s February prayer letter. The Wrights are on deputation to serve as Furlough Replacement missionaries. “God is good! By the grace of our Lord alone we have shot up from 71% from the beginning of this January to 90% at the end. Churches in six different states have partnered with us in the ministry of Furlough Replacement. We cannot express the depth of our gratitude to God and the pastors, churches and individuals who have seen the need and determined to help us address it. Only 10% to go!” As of this writing, their support level has increased to 97%! The Wrights have served with BWM since 2011.
Ivory Coast, Africa
Have you ever known a child who could be motivated by a bar of soap? Neither had we, until we came across this account from Bob and Marjorie Engelhart, our missionaries in Ivory Coast. “We started a Bible verse memorization contest for the children in several of the churches. They memorize 7-10 verses to win a bar of sweet-smelling soap. The Irfa church children (ages 7 to 11) have had the most winners, about 15 so far.” This anecdote not only challenges us to appreciate the abundant material blessings we all take for granted in America, but also illustrates the missionary’s wisdom in adopting culturally-appropriate methods. The Engelharts have served with BWM since 1986.
Quebec, Canada
Steve and Brenda Faucette share a heartwarming account of personal conversion from Quebec, Canada. “What a tremendous blessing to be able to share with you our joy in leading another soul to Christ this past Sunday! Please pray for Caroline as she begins her new walk with Christ, and please pray for her husband Eli, who also raised his hand with her at the invitation. He is still very confused with many superstitions learned while growing up in his Syrian Orthodox church. This Syrian couple and their two-year-old daughter Julie first attended three weeks ago as a result of finding our church website on the Internet. Caroline was evidently searching for a relationship with God, while Eli was just willing to come along with her ‘to protect her from a ‘cult’ (as he viewed our church). They were moved by the message enough to return the following Sunday. God worked so that there was another Arabic-speaking Lebanese man in our service that morning who befriended Eli and allayed his concerns. How perfect is God’s timing! They left their toddler with Eli’s mother this past Sunday, because they wanted to concentrate on the preaching. As a result, Caroline took in the message, sought me out after the service to get answers for her questions and then eagerly placed her faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation.” The Faucettes have served with BWM since 2007.
Japan
BWM Field Administrator Pat Delaney just returned from Japan and shares this report from the works he visited there.
“I had the privilege of spending nine days in Asahikawa, Japan, with Dean and Sue Zemke and John and Patty Himes. These are veteran missionaries who have stayed faithful to their calling over many years of ministry in what is arguably a very difficult field. Asahikawa has a population of 351,000 souls, making it the second largest city on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido. Traditionally, Japan is monocultural and historically committed to the religions of Buddhism and Shintoism. “I was able to engage in a variety of ministry opportunities with both the Zemkes and Himes. These ministries included preaching, ministering at a local nursing home and a Saturday afternoon children’s reading program at the Zemkes’ church. I especially enjoyed John Himes’s discipleship Bible study with a convert who was once an associate member of the Japanese mafia, but who is now a baptismal candidate. We also conducted door-to-door tract distribution, but not without risk—you never know when someone might be shoveling snow off the roof of their home! “The Lord also afforded me a golden opportunity to share the Gospel with a lady who has attended the Zemkes’ English service for 14 years, but has never expressed an interest in spiritual things. As an English teacher, the services were simply her opportunity to listen to English. As I turned our conversation to spiritual things, I sensed her heart open toward the Gospel. For 45 minutes, I made plain the claims of Christ. I believe this dear Japanese woman will soon be saved. “Culturally, Japan is a very challenging place to spread the Gospel. Add to this the fact that every winter, Asahikawa receives an average of 20 feet of snow! That entails a lot of shoveling! Therefore, going to Hokkaido in February gave me a golden opportunity to experience what our missionaries experience every year at wintertime. I applaud the steadfastness of our missionaries to serve in places where conditions are extreme and hearts are hard. Please pray for the Zemkes and Himes, and pray for more laborers to heed the call to the very needy land of Japan!”
Mission Matters: An Appeal for Pastoral Mission Trips
by Dr. Bud Steadman
A
the kingdom of priority biblical function of a The Greek word translated “account” is God.” mission administrator is found “logizomai,” meaning “to take an inventory in Paul’s ministry on his second or to estimate.” The sending church is to missionary journey in “confirming” be taking inventory of the work that is Acts 18:23, the churches that had previously been being done by the missionary, estimating “And after he established (Acts 15:41). When Paul was the faithfulness and effectiveness of that had spent some sent by the church at Antioch to visit the which he has been sent to perform. While time there, he churches that had been planted on his one aspect of such accountability involves departed, and first evangelistic endeavor, he did not seek furlough missionary reporting, the visit of went over all to usurp the authority of the ordained the sending pastor to the field is a unique the country pastors of those churches, but recognized opportunity to encourage and evaluate. of Galatia and and respected their autonomy, seeking Phrygia in order, to encourage them in the Lord and to strengthening all the disciples.” Some might question the degree to which strengthen them in ministry. the missionary needs accountability and thus, the validity of a pastoral visit. We must Acts 15:40-41, “And Paul chose Silas, and When a local church sends a missionary be reminded that leadership accountability departed, being recommended by the forth after the New Testament pattern of God’s people is taught throughout the brethren unto the grace of God. And he at Antioch, the dual ministries of Scriptures. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey them went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming encouragement and strengthening should that have the rule over you, and submit the churches.” always be a part of the sending church’s yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as strategy for the long-term effectiveness of they that must give account, that they may When a pastor and his wife visit the the churches planted. Thus, I am making an do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is missionary family on the field, they have appeal for pastoral mission trips. unprofitable for you.” the opportunity to perform vital affirmation to those who are often serving in lonely Prior to joining the administration of BWM, places. A pastor preaching in the churches Pastoral Mission Trips Provide I served as a senior pastor for over 25 years. planted by the missionary his church has Ministry Affirmation During that time, my wife and I made sent provides a link between the ministries While accountability was no doubt a key annual mission trips (both overseas and and affords the pastor the opportunity to part of Paul’s ministry visit on his second stateside) for the purpose of ministering to bring home firsthand news of the work that journey, the Scripture makes clear that the missionaries sent by our church, as well God is doing. encouragement and edification were as to the churches being established on the priorities in his strengthening of both field. My goal was twofold: What is my appeal? Sending pastor, be individual believers and the churches. willing to visit the field. Sending church, make sending your pastor and his wife a Pastoral Mission Trips Provide Acts 14:21-22, “And when they had priority. You will reap dividends for time and preached the gospel to that city, and had Ministry Accountability eternity as you make this spiritual investment taught many, they returned again to Lystra, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 states, “Let a man so in the work of God around the world. and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, the souls of the disciples, and exhorting and stewards of the mysteries of God. them to continue in the faith, and that we Moreover it is required in stewards, that a must through much tribulation enter into man be found faithful.”
Holding the Rope (cont.) Holding the Rope: Action
Our world has changed much since Carey and Thomas first went to India, but missionaries still depend on those who are not called to foreign missionary service to “hold the ropes” for them. The rope analogy is simply another way to illustrate God’s design for New Testament missions. The team concept is not just a good idea—it is God’s plan and our responsibility.
an MK (missionary kid). Churches not only send missionaries; they are the incubators for missionaries. The state of world missions is but a reflection of the health of the churches. Churches cannot reach the world if they are not reaching their own communities; neither can Christians reach the world if they are stained by the world. Missions is a spiritual enterprise, requiring absolute commitment from the whole body of Christ. That is a call for action.
Christians “hold the rope” by supporting the missions programs of their local churches. In addition to prayer and sacrificial giving, there are many other ways Christians can get involved in missions, including correspondence, mission trips, serving on the missions committee or taking an interest in
Access, affirmation and action are three strands of the rope we must hold for our missionaries. Your support of Baptist World Mission through prayer and finances provides the access missionaries need to fields, churches and logistics. Your uncompromis-
ing commitment to Christ and the local church affirms the priority of missions in your heart and helps strengthen the home base for the missionaries. Finally, the call to “hold the rope” is a call to action. Not everyone can be a foreign missionary, but everyone can be equally committed, whether “holding the rope” or being held by it. Have you taken hold of the rope?
Itineraries
Ready to Go
Steve Anderson
David Canedy
Bud Steadman
April 6
April 1–5
April 4–6
Meadowlake Baptist Church, Mobile, AL
Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, IA
Faith Baptist Church, Morgantown, WV
May 11
April 27–30
April 25–26
Baptist College of MinistryCommencement, Menomonee Falls, WI
Heritage Baptist Church, Memphis, TN
The Wilds, Brevard, NC
June 20–29
May 27–Nov. 25
Nova Scotia, Canada Forest Glen Bible Camp and other meetings
Bible Baptist Church, Creedmoor, NC
South Africa/Cameroon/Kenya
Kevin Brosnan April 6 Community Baptist Church, Saginaw, MI
May 21–June 19 South Africa/Zimbabwe
June 20–26 Italy
Pat Delaney April 20 Bible Baptist Church, West Bend, WI (AM service)
April 27 Fellowship Baptist Church, South Bend, IN
April 27–30
May 2–4 The Wilds Christian CampCouples’ Retreat, Brevard, NC
May 7–11 Tabernacle Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA
May 17–20 Berean Baptist Church, Boone, Iowa
May 21–29
April 30
Alberta, Canada
Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN
June 8
Jesse Garza May 8–20
Cornerstone Baptist Church, Scarborough, Maine
June 10–12 FBF National Meeting - Faith Baptist Church, Taylors, SC
Peru
All administrators will be in attendance at the BWM Spring Board Meeting being hosted by Fairview Baptist Church April 14–15, 2014. They will also be in attendance at the BWM Orientation Seminar at Camp Joy in Whitewater, Wisconsin, during the week of April 20–26, 2014.
These missionaries have almost reached 100% support. They are READY TO GO! Perhaps the Lord of the Harvest will enable you or your church to help get them to their fields of service. Contact them today! Dan & Dee Kowach (South Korea) 96% dkowach@baptistworldmission.org Jonathan & Micki Rehfeldt (Uruguay) 76% jrehfeldt@baptistworldmission.org Jim & Myra Wright (Furlough Replacement) 97% jwright@baptistworldmission.org
Gone!
Craig and LeAnna Comstock (New Zealand) have reached 100% support and arrived on the field on March 12, 2014! Please pray for them as they settle in a new culture and ministry.
Schedule an Administrator or Director at Your Church! BWM administrators and directors offer a wonderful blend of passionate preaching and current field experiences. Please contact the mission if you would like to schedule any of these men for your next conference.
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