As I was preparing a sermon that I delivered to Faith Baptist Church in Wichita Falls ( you can hear it here ), I looked up Bible verses to back up the case for raising support for missionaries. I read these verses in Luke 8:1-3

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others,  who provided for them out of their means .  (emphasis mine)

These verses caused me to question why Jesus, who fed over 5,000 one time and over 7,000 another with just a few loaves and fishes, would need anyone to provide for Him. The Lord Jesus had proven His power and sufficiency in the lives of each who followed Him. And yet He did not miraculously provide for the need of the group for their daily bread. Why didn’t Jesus miraculously provide food for His party?

I believe that the primary reason why Jesus did not miraculously provide for His followers, thus making the group dependent on the generosity of these faithful women followers is that it gave others the opportunity and privilege of having a part in His ministry.

Vicki and I are going to be the ones physically in Uganda doing the work, but everyone that supports us either prayerfully or financially are a very active and real part of the work we will do in Uganda. We simply could not do the work there without people supporting us back home.

As silly as it is to have to say, ministry costs money. Some choose to overlook this fact or ignore it, but even our Lord’s mission on earth cost money. Paul makes it clear that people that are out sharing the gospel should be supported in 1 Corinthians 9. Jesus and His followers had physical needs which people were privileged to participate in meeting.

The very Jesus which missionaries exist to proclaim lived off the benevolence of others. Shouldn’t the followers of Jesus also be able to follow their master in this? Would you pray about supporting Vicki and I on our mission through Heart for Uganda? If you would like to, you can go to www.heartforuganda.com/donate.

Philippians 4:17 “N ot that I seek the gift, but I seek  the fruit that increases to your credit.”

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