I am originally from Monterrey Mexico; my first experience with global missions came at the university I attended in college. I was serving in a student ministry, and I had the opportunity to get to know some missionaries from the United States.
They seemed to have such a deep sense of purpose. I admired their willingness to leave their home and learn a new language in order to share Jesus with people in another country. Getting to know them inspired me to consider whether or not I could do the same thing.
While serving in college ministry, I was offered a scholarship to attend the Urbana Missions Conference in the United States. Two life-changing things happened to me during that conference: God gave me a heart for the 10/40 window, and I was introduced to the work of Frontiers.
Over the next several years, I wanted to go overseas, but I was unable to make it happen. However, I still wanted to help reach the 10/40 window. Even if I could not physically go to the countries where they live, I knew that there was one thing I could do. I could give to those who were going. So I began to give to Frontiers even though I did not have much money.
I know people wonder why I do not give my money to missionary projects in my home country of Mexico. I understand their concern; there is always a need there. However, I feel especially called to give to organizations and people who minister in places where there is no message of Jesus. What need is greater than the need for the hope found in the Savior, Christ Jesus?
I think of places like the country of Turkey, where there are only about 7,300 evangelical Christians in a country of 73 million people. I recently learned about a city called Van in eastern Turkey with an estimated 600,000 people, which has a Christian population that accounts for less than half of one percent.
My country has needs, but I feel God calling me to give my resources strategically to places where Frontiers serves—places with little hope and no access to the message of Jesus.
As the actions of evil men become more commonplace in the world, it reminds me that the only hope we have is in the Gospel. It makes me even more eager to give strategically.
Frontiers is ministering in places where darkness seems to be winning. However, I know evil will not win. God has the final say. God loves to use small gestures of obedience in miraculous ways, like using a few fish to demonstrate His provision by feeding 5,000 people. In the same way, I believe that God is using my small gift and multiplying it to fight back the darkness with the Gospel.
Sometimes when I think about just how much need there is, and how many more people need to hear about Jesus, I feel insignificant. I am a teacher, and my gift seems small. However, I look forward to every opportunity to give. The little amount I am able to give contributes to the ministry. So I do my part. That is what is most important: that we all do our part to bring about God’s will on earth.
Money is occasionally tight in my family. In those times, we are tempted to skip one gift. In moments like these, we remind ourselves that God is in control and that He allows us to experience trials to learn to persevere. Just like the field workers who struggle at times but persevere for the gospel, we must do the same. We may not understand what is happening, but we need to be faithful to our part of the mission.
Giving is tough at the beginning. However, I found that as I continue giving, I get a special joy in knowing that I am a part of the service of this ministry—even if I cannot yet go. It is a small contribution, but it can be greatly used by God for His glory.
My hope is to go overseas one day, but for now, I know the part God wants me to play. That is why I will continue to give to the work God is doing around the world through Frontiers, until I can go.
Josue is a teacher in the United States and a faithful supporter of the ministry and work of Frontiers.
Original article: www.godofall.org/give-until-i-go
