Praying my way around the world

This week is prayer for international missions week. Oh how I love to pray for people on the mission field. I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible men and women who have given up everything--their homes, jobs, families--to travel to some of the most remote parts of the world to share God's Word. I am always fascinated with their tails of adventure. No hot water, no electricity, having only a bicycle for transportation are only some of the many inconveniences these people face every day. (I still vividly remember one missionary talk about the joy it was to come back to the USA. "When I take a shower here, I just turn on the hot water. Back in Papua New Guinea, I have to go to the well, draw out enough water to shower, put the water into a solar-themal bag, wait all day for the water to heat up, hook the bag up to my shower head and then take a really fast shower before the water runs out.")

One of my favorite weekly broadcasts is the Sunday sermon by J. Vernon McGee via ttb.org. Every week, the program starts with letters from around the globe. It is such a treat to hear testimonies of people coming to Christ in so many countries. I love when the program gives updates about their missions in various countries. I love to pray along with them through all parts of the globe. Although my health prevents me from venturing off into distant lands, it is a joy to be able to pray for these people. I also find tremendous comfort in being able to donate money to missionaries. Although the money I am able to contribute is very tiny, I know every cent counts for missionaries living on shoe-string budgets.

This week, I would like to lift up all my friends serving abroad on the mission field: Janet, Amy, Jennifer, Charlie and Bo. May the Lord continue to richly bless you and guide you. I also ask prayer for all international missionaries this week. Lastly, if you can spare any money, I ask you to consider giving to missions at your church or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (img.org). "You have...heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it" (Colossians 1:5-6).