The news of a missionary aviator and his wife losing their lives in a plane crash June 2 should give all of us pause… Raising support for missions is by no means all about guarantees of safety and security as you live out your calling as missionaries. Indeed, that calling is often to lives of hardship, trial and even death.
Jay and Katrina Ericson were killed when their plane crashed into a tower in Zambia. The young parents left behind two small children — and a host of mourning relatives, friends and supporters.
Why do we write about this in a support-raising blog? Simply because this is the reality of God’s call. We do difficult things in His service and for His glory. One of those is screwing up the courage to call on others, inviting them to take part in God’s Kingdom-work. We offer to be their partner, helping them to achieve great things for God as he uses our desire and determination to impact the lives of others.
Engaging others in the work of ministry is about His glory. And, sometimes, it is about making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of His glory and the expansion of his Kingdom.
If you are raising support for missionary service, then you are already engaged in a missionary enterprise. Simply realize that your first — and, arguably, most important — ministry is to those men and women who enable you to pursue and, hopefully, fulfill your calling to impact the lives of others.
