I told them I was there to not only support and encourage them - but also to learn from them. And just observing their interaction and desire to help and come along side their missionaries was really stimulating and encouraging to me. It's estimated by many mission's writers that a healthy support ratio of support team members back home to missionaries on the field is about 8:1. Eight praying, encouraging, willing to work on behalf of their missionaries team members, from the missionaries home church! It's clearly a challenge to keep such a team healthy and vibrant and effective as the months pass. And that's part of the Shepherd's Staff vision - to offer help to sending churches in maintaining the health of their support teams - which in turn maintains the health of their missionary. And that's part of my new job responsibilities now.
What a joy to serve those who are serving as senders as well as those who are sent!
This evening I'm meeting with another Shepherd's Staff missionary family serving in Israel and sent out from Shoreline Calvary Chapel up in Morro Bay, CA. They are home just for a couple of weeks. Please pray for them that the Lord would meet all their needs for their family and their ministry.
Thank you all for continuing as part of MY prayer support team :-) I really need it!
In His Arm's,
Pat
Good Morning Pastor Pat,
ReplyDeleteNo matter what the call God places on your heart, you are always up to the challenge. Sounds like your responsibilities are pretty well defined. May our dear Lord continue to minister to you in your new works. God knew that you were exactly the right person for this calling. You have all the qualities that the job requires, you have a servant's heart (always have), you love the Lord with all your heart and always want to uplift others (again, you always do). We thank God for keeping you well and for allowing you to do the work you were called to. May your heart be content doing the work of our Master and Lord. As always you are in the thoughts and prayers of the Gomez Family.
We Love you Pastor Pat,
Margaret,Debbie,Kathy, Rosemarie, Emily and Angelica Rose
Dear Pat,
ReplyDeleteIt is an honor to uphold you in prayer in this new work. Also know that you are in our prayers as you continue to navigate through what is usually an especially hard time of year after losing a loved one. AND, we haven't forgotten your health. May God continue to uphold you, strengthen you and encourage you!