A lack of finances is often given as an excuse for why we cannot expand our missionary outreach. Yet, how often are our congregations told that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and the bank of Heaven is inexhaustible? Is it not just a little hypocritical to extoll God’s riches in one breath, then say that we can afford no more missionaries in the next? Why are we so sure of God’s ability to supply the needs for additional missionaries overseas? The truth is, we know that God is able to provide for as many missionaries as it would take to effectively evangelize our world. To say otherwise would be to deny all the promises of God. J. Hudson Taylor, a man greatly used of God to bring the light of the gospel to darkened China once said:
“To have missionaries and no money would be no trouble to me, for the Lord
is bound to care for His own…but to have money and no missionaries is very
serious indeed.”

Yet some will still say that before we can add to our missionary ranks in any significant number, we must see an increase in missions giving. And with that argument, we condemn millions to an eternity without Christ. Perhaps it is time that we, as Independent Baptists, review our commitment to the great commission; especially in this area of serving and giving.

During World War II, the American people had just one goal: to win. Regardless of the cost, they were determined to be victorious. Men young and old responded to the call to arms, knowing full well it might cost them their lives. As the rank of the armed forces swelled, the work force at home began to shrink.

Women put aside their housekeeping chores and filled the jobs vacated by the men. As the War went on, personal sacrifices were made. Things once thought of as essential were viewed as unnecessary comforts. Kitchens were stripped of spare pots and pans, which in time became tanks, trucks and arms. Vegetables replaced flowers in small gardens so that more of the food grown by farmers could be sent to “our boys” on the battle front. Some even purchased war bonds, investing their money in a war that might be lost. Why? What inspired our nation to such a unified effort? Perhaps the answer is this: in nearly every home, the family knew that the one fighting to preserve their freedom was their father, or brother, uncle, nephew or neighbor. The men spilling their blood were not faceless soldiers, but loved ones sent off to battle with tearful goodbyes. No sacrifice was considered too great, if it helped them win the battle and come home safely.

What can be done to raise more money for world missions? Pray for more servants. Ask God to give us more laborers. Ask God to call those nearest and dearest to our hearts to some place in the world needing the Gospel of Christ. Pastor, pray earnestly and often that God will call some precious family from your church. Ask Him to take the very best He has given you; that Sunday School teacher or staff member that could reach multitudes if they would but go. Surely our Father, who is not willing that any should perish, would rejoice to answer such praying. Then, when our missionaries are no longer just faces on a prayer card, but people we love; members of our own family, our own church; then we will begin seeing the kind of sacrifices necessary to win the war of world evangelism.

(Excerpt taken from Mission Conference Helps & Hints)