Introduction
Rochelle and I recently attended a retreat in Colombia sponsored by our missions agency, United World Mission (UWM). There’s something very special about a retreat, especially when it includes fellow missionaries from all over South America.
As much as we enjoyed the rest, worship and catching up with old friends, there was one aspect that stood out for me (Gustavo): hearing so many inspiring stories of how God calls, prepares, deploys and utilizes different people for service.
The Unsung Hero
As I reflected on our experience, I failed to appreciate the unsung hero that united all of these stories and missionaries. I am speaking about UWM, of course, our missions agency and its many employees. They are the hidden infrastructure in God’s plans of deployment. As we prepare to go back on the field, we are ever more thankful for the work that United World Mission does on our behalf (and on behalf of all of its missionaries).
These include:
1) Collection and receipt of donations
This is the most obvious function, but it is critical. UWM collects on-going monthly and one-time donations and provides our donors with a tax exempt receipt.
Recently, I completed a series of thank you notes for those who donated to our ministry on behalf of Dawn Harrell, a dear friend who passed away at the end of April. Dozens upon dozens of checks poured in and UWM processed every one.
2) Provide a stable / reliable income to offset fluctuations in giving
Some donors give quarterly or at the end of the year, but I (Gustavo) receive the same monthly salary regardless of when donations arrive.
3) Member care on the field
This one is huge. Cross cultural life and ministry has many stresses. UWM employs a team of spiritual directors and counselors, who provide the necessary psychological and spiritual care to missionaries and their families.
4) Cross-cultural training
Prior to going on the field, UWM provides a six-week boot camp experience to prepare missionaries for cross-cultural experience. Because we have lived overseas for 9 years, we have not needed to take advantage of this wonderful series of workshops.
However, every new missionary who deploys has had only rave reviews.
5) Negotiations with missions partners
UWM serves as a buffer between the missionary and the overseas ministry partner. Field representatives are experienced missionaries who understand the complexities of cross-cultural ministry. They can help the missionary navigate difficult circumstances or misunderstandings that may arise with a ministry partner.
6) Worldwide camaraderie of missionaries
Finally, being a part of a worldwide family of missionaries is a huge source of encouragement and inspiration. We are a tight knit family. We understand each other’s experiences and challenges and we can minister to one another when the need arises.
In the case of the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, UWM provides 7 missionary scholars to the seminary as professors and administrators. Being a part of that smaller UWM group will be a huge blessing as we navigate our return to Colombia and the seminary campus.
In all, we are delighted to be serving on behalf of the United World Mission and look forward to many more retreats in the coming years.