While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3
Missions Begins Here
When the Lord sets apart men and women with the unique privilege of proclaiming Christ. It involves, first and foremost, His call, that unique burden in which God stirs the desire to “proclaim Christ where He is not yet known.”At Calvary Sacramento, it has always been our heart to encourage those who are set apart, whether to those in our own community, those stricken by catastrophe in our own country, the people of neighboring countries, or those across the globe. What does it take?
Those Who Go
Romans 10:14-15 tells us How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? The Lord’s burden is always directed into the hearts of those willing to go where God has called them. Missionaries and cross-cultural ministers are those who have sensed that calling and, with the help of the Body of believers, launched out to proclaim the good news.
Those Who Send
“And how can they preach unless they are sent…?” Senders are the critical link to missions. They are the prayer, encouragement, and financial and logistical support of any missionary. At Calvary Sacramento, missionaries typically have a core group or sending team, which ensures that logistics and support are provided so that the missionary can focus on his primary calling.
Where can you be involved in Missions
Prayer
Prayer is the absolute necessity of missions. The apostle Paul regularly asked for prayer during his missionary journeys. In Col 4:3, he asked the Colossian church to “pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” There are regular opportunities to learn of prayer needs of missionaries, through their newsletters which are linked to this site, or at the church office. Prayer costs nothing but time and the value is immeasurable.
Giving Encouragement
You can have regular contact with missionaries serving on the field or those taking on short-term missions projects. Cards, letters, emails, and notes of encouragement. If the Lord moves you, you can invest in the work of Calvary Sacramento’s missionaries. Missionaries rely on these investments to be able to fully focus on their service on the foreign field. Pray and ask the Lord if you should be involved in supporting these works.
Learning
Make it a goal to understand a little better the dynamics of missions and the specific challenges to the missionaries you know and support. Read a missions biography, attend a missions fellowship, and seek out specific information on a country or people group. Read the newspaper with the eyes of missionary, praying for areas locked in struggle or need.
Sending
Behind every soldier on the front lines should be a team of senders. Core Group members involved in prayer, logistics, communications, and re-entry support – to name a few. Calvary Chapel of Sacramento believes that it is critical to serve our missionaries as senders.
Going
Consider a short-term visit or a long-term assignment. Seek the Lord for His purposes, timing, and area of ministry. Many of today’s full-time missionaries started with prayer and a short-term trip, seeking to understand the dynamics of cross-cultural ministry. Be open to His calling for your life.
Where is Calvary Chapel Sacramento Currently Involved?
Click on the links (right) to learn more about the areas the Lord has called Calvary Chapel Sacramento to be a part of. Questions and comments can be e-mailed to missions@calvarysac.org
