The Old Paths Network

What is a missionary?

"Beloved brother, you are acting faithfully in the work you do for the brethren, also for strangers, who have testified to your love before the church. You will do good by helping them on their way in a manner worthy of God, because they went forth on behalf of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles. So we ought to be hospitable to such men, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth"
(3 John 5-8 OPV).

A missionary is someone who has "gone forth on behalf of the Name." The body of Christ consists of many members with different functions.

The church of Christ has a great commission: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:15,16).

Since these words were spoken, thousands of Christians have left their home country to tell the goods news about Jesus Christ. Often they must learn a new language, always they must adapt to a different culture.

"For 'whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!'" (Romans 10:13-15).

Just as vital to the spread of the gospel are the hundreds of thousands of Christians who have sent the few who were willing to go. Most missionaries can testify that much of their support comes from people who have little themselves. Because they love God and man, they sacrifice that the gospel of peace might go forth into all the world.

The work of missionaries is built on the faith of the faithful.

Roy Davison