by Jay Jarboe

MRN Empower Team Lead

I remember it well. Sitting down around my kitchen table in our house in Mexico City with two of my elders. These men were real shepherds for my family’s missionary soul. I was voicing the frustration I felt with the weight of the ministry. I was feeling burned out and overwhelmed. One elder, trying to offer real help, asked me, “Why don’t you just get an answering machine and screen your calls?” (Yes, this dates me.) I so appreciated his heart to help. However, all three of us missed the real need. I needed to depend upon Jesus to accomplish his work through me. If missionaries desire to be poured out for God (2 Timothy 4:6, NLT) they must allow God to pour out his favor on them (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT).

Yes, I know that there are missionaries who lack the discipline to use their time well and are not fruitful. However, in my experience I know more missionaries who are not disciplined in practicing self-care and end up burning themselves out spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Jesus noticed the need for spiritual and physical rest among his apostles. After their first missionary tour, Jesus said to them, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31, NLT). How can you pray for your missionaries who live in the tension between being poured out in service to the Lord and allowing God to pour His spiritual power into them?

Pray for your missionary to accept Jesus’ invitation to take on the easy yoke and light burden(Matthew 11:28-30). Mission workers have the tendency to take on responsibility that only belongs to Jesus. We plant and water the seed, but only God can make it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6). Ask your missionary family, “Where do you see God at work around you and how are you joining him in His work?”
Pray for your missionary to abide in Jesus (John 15:4-5). If we remain in Jesus, the promise is that we will bear much fruit. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing! Ask your missionary family, “What does ‘abiding in Jesus’ look like for you?” Share with them how you are abiding in Jesus.
Pray for your mission worker to practice soul care. Some call this self-care, but it is certainly not selfish. It is not a luxury or optional for any followers of Christ, it is vital for spiritual health and longevity in ministry. Ask your missionary, “How do you practice your Sabbath rest? How do you use your day off to refresh and enjoy your family?”
Pray for your mission family to love their neighbor as they love themselves (Luke 10:27). God created us to live in community. Genuine relationships refresh and renew us. Yet there is another truth found in this text. Missionaries teach others to pray, abide, and receive renewal from the Lord. However, they may not apply the same truths to themselves. Ask your missionary family, “How are you modeling to others what it looks like to love yourself and your family? What do you teach others about soul care that is difficult for you to practice?”

While serving as a missionary, I was visiting with my supporting congregation when one of my shepherds saw me walking down the hall. He physically towered over me. He said, “I want to talk to you” and took me into an empty office. I had no idea what he wanted. He looked me in the eye and asked, “Are you taking care of your family?” We began to talk about what I was doing to love and care for my family. Yet, honestly, we talked more about how I was putting my desire for success in ministry ahead of caring for my family and caring for myself. I often think about this conversation, and it motivates me to make sure I am pouring more of Christ into my life and family, so I have something to pour out for God. Pray and ask your missionaries these loving questions. They will be glad that you did!

Pouring Out Requires Pouring In - October 2021