Sharing in Global Ministry: The Power of Partnership

Around the world, millions of people are dying without ever having heard the good news that simple trust in Jesus will guarantee them a home in heaven. The task seems overwhelming. Obviously, no one person can do it all, nor should they even try.
In 3 John there are some verses that give a hint to how God wants the work to be done. The Apostle John writes,

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

(Vv. 5-8 ESV)

The work is meant to be shared. We share in the ministry when we share in the burden of living and ministry expenses. If we share in the responsibilities of the work, we will also share in the reward at the end. The “good and faithful servant” commendation will be our reward as we support those who go out.
I read somewhere that in the military, it takes about 37 people in support roles for every person in the battlefield. Just like there are many ways this support staff works to support those on the front lines, there are many ways to support global partners. An entire book, Serving as Senders, by Neal Pirolo, has been written that could be used as a handbook for the support ministries of the church.
Sharing in the financial aspect of the work is not the only way to share in the ministry. Prayer also plays a big part in sharing the burdens. As we encourage global partners through prayer, we also encourage global partners through communication. We share the burden of the work as we communicate with them.
The Apostle Paul often commends the people he is writing to for their generosity in making his ministry possible. He commends them for giving, for their hospitality, for their prayers and for their encouragement. All of these things make the one sent stronger and more energetic in their work. God promises that the people who do these things will share in the work and share in the reward.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

– Proverbs 11:25 ESV

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

– 2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV

The final chapters in many of Paul’s epistles are rich in the simple things people have done for him which encouraged him in the ministry, encouraged him to continue on. These people shared in his ministry and will be rewarded.
The people in the featured image are sharing in the joy of a ministry as they receive word from their partners abroad. They share in this joy because they have contributed in some meaningful way to that ministry, whether it was financial support, prayers, letters of encouragement, just showing an interest in the work and keeping up with what is going on. Then, when they hear news from that partner, they share in the joy of progress and would share equally in sadness of setbacks or trials the partner is enduring.
Becoming meaningfully involved with a global partner greatly increases a person's interest in the ministry and provides the conduit to share in the rewards of the ministry.