The Week of Prayer for International Missions is December 2-9. The prayer guide, videos, and other materials call upon up to “Be His Heart, His Hands, His Voice.” 

We begin in prayer.  The prayer guide includes information for praying daily for international missions.  Since the days of Paul, missionaries have asked for prayer in support of their endeavors. Paul asked the believers in Ephesus to pray for his efforts in sharing the gospel: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly” (Eph. 6:19, 20b NIV).  Missionaries today would like for you to pray this for them, too.

We demonstrate where our heart is through giving. Jesus crystalized this truth when He said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21 NIV).   The early church recognized the importance of giving to support missions and Paul commended the Corinthians for contributing to the work of believers in other places.  Note the outcome of such giving: “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13 NIV).  Who will praise God because a missionary was supported to come and share the gospel?  Our giving makes it possible for lost people to hear the good news of a Savior.

We are His voice as we share in witnessing to the lost. International missionaries depend on us to be His voice locally as they go globally.  Our own participation in sharing the gospel is vital.  Not only are we surrounded by lost family, friends, classmates, and neighbors, but our communities are now home to people from the nations. Opportunities to be His voice to internationals are right here in Kentucky, and who knows just how far the message of salvation shared here will travel!  As international students, business leaders, tourists and others come to our state and either return home or continue in contact with people in their home countries, the message we share here can travel there.

Materials for the 2012 Week of Prayer for International Missions and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering have been sent to Kentucky Baptist churches utilizing a standing order for missions materials.  A standing order can be started or updated simply by calling the Kentucky WMU office (866-489-3534 or 502-489-3534).

Let’s be oBEdient this year.  Let’s pray, give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and use our voices to share the reason for the season!