Oct 28, 2020 Moving Forward in Missions Team Member Thoughts Part 2

Here are more team members thoughts about how this year has affected how we share the gospel. We appreciate their thoughts and perspectives and hope their words will give you inspiration too!

How have you continued to share the gospel in spite of the challenges?

Sandy: Since we haven’t been able to travel and serve, I’ve been personally donating to support the poor in the Philippines, Mongolia and Cuba. Missionaries in Africa, India, the Philippines and all over need our support and prayers more than ever. God will grant us wisdom and the resources we need to keep His work moving forward.

Maria: Don’t let the pandemic stop you from sharing God’s love. Everyone knows at least one person they can share with. If we could all just reach that one person for Christ, imagine how many we could all reach together! Share the gospel through social media, through sharing podcasts, through phone calls or texts. We all have something we can do to be a missionary without even leaving our homes.

How has God inspired or blessed in spite of the challenges from the pandemic?

Sandy: Time! I’ve been able to have more personal Bible study time, and I’ve been able to have Bible studies with a friend in Colorado on a daily basis.

In Peru, I’ve been able to encourage and pray with a re-baptized member through WhatsApp. In Cuba, I’ve kept in touch with church members and been able to pray with them also. I’ve also kept in touch weekly with missionary friends going through serious health challenges through FaceTime.

May: Even though we’re allowed to physically meet in church, it’s challenging. It doesn’t feel the same. Wearing masks at church is so uncomfortable, so awkward. I miss potlucks and spending time with people after worship. We can’t really invite people to our home so instead, we’ve organized outdoor picnics! Friends have been excited to join our picnics up in the mountains by the lake. It’s been wonderful to still connect, and also to be in God’s beautiful creation.

How do you think missions will continue to move forward?

Maria: Missions moving forward will really have a lot of “it depends.” It will depend on an individual’s decision and also the different factors involved. For the average person, they might not be as receptive to serving on international missions. And although I do not put myself in situations of intentional danger, I believe that life’s too short not to do something for the Lord.

Sandy: We could strengthen our online evangelistic efforts through “adopting” a church overseas and supporting their online evangelism efforts. We could offer our time to give Bible studies to their members or support them with digital evangelism materials.

Joe: I was speaking to someone after a recent conference call, and I mentioned it would be great if QHM had domestic trips within the country. An evangelism series, maybe building or community projects. We’d love to see other options here at home in case an international trip gets cancelled at the last minute.

I have no fears traveling. I understand there are a lot of factors involved but I’m willing to abide by rules to make it happen. It’s the same precautions I take for work; I get gowned up, take care of my personal health and make health choices that will strengthen my immune system. If you’re doing God’s work, He will do His part to take care of you.