Wayne Taylor
General Director of PIEI
Understanding Relationships with National Workers
Thirty years ago I went to Grace Seminary to earn a Masters Degree in Missions. However, the Lord had more than that in His plans in directing me to Grace. At seminary I met a fellow student from India named Abraham who had a passion and calling to return to India to plant churches. I had the privilege of serving with Abraham in ministry at a small church in Winona Lake, Indiana. After a few years our church sent Abraham back to India and thus began a partnership of prayer, financial support, and regular visits back and forth with has lasted 26 years. I had the joy of visiting him in India in 1989 and again earlier this year. There have been over 100 churches started directly or strengthened through his leadership training. Abraham started and leads a Bible college as well as Christian conferences.
In Philippians 1:3-5 Paul talks about these kinds of partnerships in the gospel and again in chapter 4 verse 17 Paul says that these types of partnerships of ministry are credited to the account of the giver.
I’ve been in business for a number of years and know what it means to receive a good return on my investments. I’ve also experienced little or no gain on some projects.
What a blessing it has been for me to have personally observed in many countries the great return on investing in national missionaries as they evangelize, plant churches, and train others to do the same. More and more individuals and churches in the United States are experiencing the rewards of seeing their giving multiplied in great returns. Even greater than that, they are demonstrating the love described in 1 John 3:16-18 by sharing from their God-given blessings to bless their brothers and sisters who are in great need around the world. Those who participate with others who are sharing their time, talents, and treasures enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded men and women around this country whose vision is stretched beyond our own blessed nation.
We at Partners In Evangelism desire to be a resource and tool to help you improve existing relationships with national missionaries or assist you in getting connected. May God bless you as you respond to His leading.
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