Most missionaries who live in cross cultural settings are stretched far beyond their capacity. The harvest is vast, and it’s hard to say “no” to the desperate needs witnessed on a daily basis.
Our Within Reach Global Staff—a mixture of foreign and local Chinese missionaries—have been working tirelessly to bring the gospel to unreached ethnic tribes and college students in China. They have just finished setting up The Hub Outreach and Hospitality Center, our ministry center that is reaching hundreds of Chinese college students and young professionals.
Last week, we hosted a short term team in China, and my wife poured out her heart to them, pleading with tears, asking them to consider making a donation so that our missionaries can have the much needed rest they deserve.
“I am so tired,” Sister Li, a new mother, the leader of our student outreach and underground church told us. “I just want one week to get away, rest and think.”
We want to treat our missionaries to a missionary getaway, and give them a few days of rest and refreshment.
May 1-3, 2014, we want to treat 6 Chinese missionary families to 3 days/2 nights at a nice hotel with swimming pool, breakfast buffet, and beautiful atmosphere. Dianchi Garden Hotel and Spa is a great place.
Our total budget is $1,200 for 6 families.
Would you be interested in donating to this cause?
We are passionate about going above and beyond, creating opportunities for missionary rest and rejuvenation. Here’s why:
“Research shows that of the more than ten thousand missionaries who are on furlough at any given time in the United States, only twelve percent take the time to rest. Many are exhausted when they return to their field of service, yet their work has piled up while they were away. Asked why they don’t take the time to rest, 65% of missionaries said they could not afford a retreat center or similar facility.”
“The ratio of unreached people group workers to total unreached world is: 1 missionary for every 278,431 people.”
At The Bridge outreach center, there are 100,000 students in a five mile radius, and less than 30 people trying to reach them! Can you can see how tiring that would be? It’s proof of The Great Imbalance Of Global Missions.
Here’s a small example of some of the ways we are stretched on the mission field: A List Of Our Roles On The Mission Field.
“[Rest] is a topic that many missionaries are uncomfortable with. Many missionaries feel that there is an expectation for missionaries to be able to work at a continuous pace. They feel accountable to their supporters to judiciously watch their spending, and not show any signs of frivolity or unnecessary spending. Then, there is the fact that, as a missionary you have a demanding job. If you live in a foreign country you are likely communicating many hours a day in a language you are not fluent in, and that in itself takes great mental effort. You are away from your creature comforts, family, and friends, and have to pace yourself.” – The Family International
I want to remind you of these scriptures:
“Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” – Matthew 10:42
Please pray about making a donation that will help bring rest and refreshment to the heroes of the mission field. We are very grateful for your love and care.
Are you a missionary in need of rest and refreshment? Check out these missionary care resources. Also see 3 Areas Of Rest For Missionaries.
