Gathering in the Results of Prayer

When I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:15-19

Support: Unfortunately, a dirty word for some, and a scary word for those of us relying upon it. Before Audrey and I began pursuing mission work, I had heard from some of our friends that were pursuing long-term missions, about the perils of support raising and the many responses one can encounter.  Some of these statements we have found to be true, while others have not occurred to us personally, however, I would like to share some of these responses to fundraising:

-Missionary support is begging from friends or family and should be avoided.

-If you are not working on a project, you are not a worthy investment.

-I would love to go on an all expenses trip paid to (wherever) why should I send you on a vacation.

-Missionary support is a necessary evil that must be overcome to do God’s work.
 

First of all I believe there is a biblical basis to supporting missionaries and mission work. 

Now when I say support raising I am not merely referring to the raising of funds but rather an authentic biblical partnership, with many different partners working together in a variety of ways, doing God’s kingdom work.  Audrey and I, as long term missionaries, are only a small part of this partnership.  We are not the only ones, the lone rangers, out on this mission fighting injustice, and false prophets alone.  We have a team, a family, a body of believers, churches behind us and with us every step of the way.  Just as it takes many different members to make a body, we need many different partners on the field using the gifts God has gifted them with to accomplish His kingdom work, ministering to us, to each other, and those on the ground we go to serve.  It is together that we make the difference. That being said, we do not merely ask for you to do something for us, but to join us in the mission WE have been called to, to further His kingdom.  Join us in making a difference in Kenya, in the Maasai peoples lives, join us in fighting disease, false teachings, water shortages, abuse, and in spreading the gospel.  Become part of our team.  

Often missionaries face a variety of warfare, from doubts and fears, to finances, to language barriers, health issues, culture shock and other spiritual warfare.  We rely on your prayerful and generous support, both individuals and churches.  Without the dedicated and consistent support of the body of Christ, overseas long-term missions would be impossible. There are several general reasons I believe it is important to give, but nothing makes quite the impact of seeing it for yourselves.  I would love nothing more than for all of our friends and family to experience Kenya and the Maasai people on a visioning trip, or in any fashion, but until that time I am going to attempt to paint you a picture...

The Maasai people are some of the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met.  A simple nomadic tribal people, raising goats, sheep, and cattle, they rely on support from their family and friends for their survival.  They go where the food is, where the water is, live in simple mud/dung houses, they have no electricity or “clean water”.  Their diet consists mainly of ugali (a grit like meal) and rice.  There is some church influence in this area, primarily Pentecostal and Presbyterian, but large majorities of the people remain unreached.  Malaria and AIDS plague the people, and often there is drought and famine, so the members move from area to area in search of food and water for their family and animals.  Lately the prosperity gospel has become more and more prevalent in the area, and people seeking truth and seeking God are lead away by false prophets and promises.  These are some areas in which we hope to serve and assist.  By working among the Maasai people in Kimana Kenya, we can help them learn the Word of God for themselves, teaching them how to read and understand scripture instead of only relying on others.  We hope to help them with language and reading and writing. We hope to train pastors at a Theological Training by Extension Center so that they may better minister to their own culture in their own culturally sensitive ways.  We hope to dig wells, help with farming methods, train people in malaria and aid prevention as well as community health.  In all these this we, as a body of Christ, help the Maasai people in holistic ministry, giving them an understanding of God’s love for them.  It is with your partnership that you will gain the knowledge and satisfaction of radically changing lives of the poor and hungry into brothers and sisters that radiate and reflect the face of Christ.

"Prayer is the real work of the ministry. Service is just gathering in the results of prayer." -S.D. Gordon

Ways to support us in Kenya:

-Prayer!  First and foremost we need to be surrounded in your prayers before, during, and after, as God leads us on this journey of support raising and holistic ministry.  Join our monthly prayer letter list, follow our weekly blog, be intimately and continually united and committed to us and with us in prayer. 

-If you feel called to support us financially, we are in need of both monthly and annual donors; we have committed to long-term ministry in Kenya and as a result your provision will enable us to keep serving, confident of God’s provision through you.  Commit to us, and to the Maasai people, as we commit to you and our brothers and sister whom we serve.

-If you are part of or know a church or churches that are looking for missionaries to support, whether that be in Africa, or Kenya, or to the Maasai people, or even just in holistic ministry, we would be thrilled to come and share with them the work that God is doing in Kimana, Kenya. 

-Future involvement with us on the field.  If it is a skype call, a care package, visioning trip, or a visit to work with us on the field, we would love for you to be somehow involved with us as we continue on our journey. 

 If you would like become partners with us on our journey or have any questions check out the Antioch Partners website at http://www.theantiochpartners.org/   click on partners and then The Arndts to learn more! or email us at chasevarndt@gmail.com or audreymarndt@gmail.com we would love to talk to you and tell you more!