Holding the Rope

by Emily
from Virtuous Daughters, July 2013~Volume 13, Number 4

When William Carey, known as “The Father of Modern Missions,” left for India, one of his friends observed that his departure could be likened to someone being lowered into a deep, unexplored mine. For someone to be safely sent into the mine and enabled to begin mining for souls, others were needed to “hold the ropes” that lowered him down into it. As William Carey and his friends stood at the brink of decisions, considering this venture into India, William volunteered to go—if his friends would faithfully support him as he went. His mission would not be successful if they did not do their parts in “holding the ropes.” Though missionaries ultimately depend on God for their every need, we can be the human instruments that God uses to support and help them in their endeavors. Here are some practical ways that we can do this:

  Prayer--This is undoubtedly one of the most important ways that we can help missionaries. I recently read a book called Behind the Ranges, about the life and work of J.O. Fraser, a pioneer missionary in the mountains of China. One of the prevailing topics of the book was the difference that the prayers of his family and friends made. He kept a group of prayer supporters informed about the work, and often saw that the spiritual break-throughs in any given area would only come after much prayer...not only his prayers, but the prayers of his supporters as well. There are so many things that we can include in our prayers for missionaries: pray for their physical and spiritual safety, their ministries, practical/financial needs, health, their spouses and children, wisdom as they minister to those around them, and for God’s help and blessing on whatever challenges they face. By reading prayer letters of missionaries, you can often find specific ways that you can pray for them, as well.
 
Financial Support--This one could be more challenging as many girls don’t have a regular income. But if God is leading you to give to His work in this way, He can provide a way for you to do so! Think “outside of the box” to come up with creative ways to earn money from home, and pray about what the Lord would have you to do. Perhaps there is something you could do for a fundraiser. Whether we are able to give much or little, God is glorified if we give to Him with a cheerful heart!
  Practical Helps--This could include writing encouraging letters...most of us love getting mail, and I’m sure that our missionary friends do too! Perhaps you could send birthday cards with a small gift (like stickers or a bookmark), keeping in mind that it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months for mail to reach its destination in a foreign country. Another idea is to send “care packages” with small gifts or supplies that might be difficult or expensive to buy in foreign countries. Package the items carefully and make sure you fill out the customs forms if necessary! If the package is heavier, more than a couple of pounds, it is likely cheaper to use a flat-rate mailing package, available for free at the post office. To mail a flat-rate box, the price is the same no matter how much it weighs, up to twenty pounds. If your package is very light, though, it will probably be less expensive to pay for it by weight. Also, think of things that you could do to bless and help the missionaries who visit your church. If they are staying for awhile, there are many possibilities...your family could invite them over for a meal and fellowship. If you enjoy photography, see if they would like family photos taken! If you sew, you could ask if their little girls need any clothes made for them. Think of creative ways to use your skills to minister to others!
 
​May the Lord bless and guide each of you as you seek to serve Him! “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17
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