Evangelism…What comes to mind when you read that word? Does it remind you of the Great Commission? Does it leave a sour taste in your mouth? Does it intimidate you? Does it excite you? How you naturally respond to that word tells you a lot about how the church has been doing in fulfilling and promoting Jesus’ call. We get things wrong, a lot, and I think that’s one of the reasons I slightly cringe at that word.
I’ve seen a megaphone screaming about hell, a “white savior” with all the answers, and so many more examples of harmful attempts at evangelism . The latter has been occupying my brain the most lately. It is common when we visit homes to be asked to provide for needs. To give clothing, food, and more. We have been asked to not give hand outs as a means of letting the church be the face of the provision in this community. Something in which I whole heartedly believe in. I want to take a back seat, I want the local church and God to be the face of provision, the face of hope and the face of health. But in those moments, to sit there knowing I have the means to meet a need, but choosing not to, is absolutely gut wrenching for me. I can only imagine the walls of thought those interactions put up. “They don’t actually care,” “Look at all they have and they don’t give anything.” My mind becomes overwhelmed with this situation. I don’t want to be the face of provision, the face of God, but I also don’t want to neglect the present needs or resemble a follower of a god that doesn’t care about their needs.
With all that in mind, how do I, as a white American woman, share the gospel globally in a way that only points to God? It’s tricky, and I’m just now really diving into the example Christ and the disciples set for us with that question in mind. After a rough week experiencing the above situation, We were gifted with a time to reflect. With a week of manual labor followed by a gifted mini vacation, I was given the space my soul needed to reevaluate the call of the great commission and how I get to be a part of that. As I continue to evaluate this call on my life and how to live it out I would love to have your partnership in prayer over the matter.
In lighter news our squad just found out more about our next ministry locations here in the DR. We began the race together at Mission of Hope but will soon be splitting up into our two teams to serve with new ministries. My team will have three more weeks here at Mission of Hope and will then go to the Hope Mountain Project, an organization equipping Dominican churches for ministry and providing safety and restoration for abused and exploited minors. Thankful for more time here and excited for all that God has ahead of us!
Thanks for reading!
I have questions to add to your questions!
Is it a true need? Can the church provide for it? Do you feel promoted to help to cover a need? If so, could money be filtered anonymously through the mission to the local church to provide?
I love you and your heart! I can’t wait to continue to learn vicariously as God tenderly leads and teaches you. ❤️
PS Hope Mountain Project sounds amazing and could not have a cooler name! Can’t wait to hear more!
Sierra, thank you for encouraging us to look deeper in how we represent Jesus, and how to do better to make Him known.