Caring For The Missionary

BY ELDER KOH SEOW KIN

MEMBER, GPC MISSION BOARD

About 3 weeks ago I was at the Changi airport to send our missionary, Michelle Goh, off. This was one of the numerous departures to the field for Michelle, having been a missionary in Thailand for over 10 years. The question arises as to why bother to send Michelle off since she could have managed her departure on her own and the 3 of us there for the send-off could well have made scant difference. 

On deeper reflection, I felt that we did make a difference to Michelle. For a start, the smile she showed as we interacted with her was something that emanated from her heart, probably lifted by her thought that her church does care, albeit in a small way in this instance. Moreover, Preacher Jeremy’s offer of a coffee must have encouraged her as much or maybe more than the caffeine (we learnt she was one who needed a morning caffeine fix). The chat that ensued gave us a good glimpse into her new assignment after this latest home assignment (missionary break to spend time back home for rest and building of ties). The send-off ended with the usual prayer for the missionary, whereby we prayed specifically rather in a general or vague manner.

The missionaries whom we support have to be accepted by a mission agency to ensure that they are ready and will receive professional missionary care, whilst the church plays a partnering role.

What does our church do or what can individual members do in caring for our missionaries? We can provide support in different forms. The missionary is just as human as the next person and they have the usual needs. One of the biggest needs beyond basic food or shelter, is the emotional aspect. Being away from home in a different culture is by no means easy, even if the missionary has immersed well into the foreign culture. We can engage our missionaries wherever they may be - in the field or back home. We receive regular updates from our missionaries. The church Mission Board will be most glad to help anyone who is interested in engaging with or caring for our missionaries. Just check with our leaders or our Mission Board members (refer GPC website).

Two Sundays ago we heard the message from Mr Joseph Chean of the dearth of new and younger missionaries today. Could the perceived inadequate support be one of the factors the young are shunning mission work other than the commonly cited reason of putting career and the concomitant benefits first?

The Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ is for every one of His followers - to “Go therefore and make disciples …”. It may not necessarily mean the Christian having to do all the various tasks needed. We can team up and do different parts, one of which is to care for missionaries who are the frontline workers of the church and who can do with more and better support.