Martin Wickens

Like many, I went to bed last night aware of the powerful, life-threatening storms that were sweeping through GA and other southern States.

This morning I awoke to news of the devastation. Many have described their towns as looking like a warzone. As supercells produced tornadoes school buildings collapsed, business fell, and homes seemingly disappeared. Several have died and for many life will not return to normal for years to come.

In the midst of this national tragedy an international element unfolded as a missionary in Scotland struggled to contact his parents in Newnan, GA. Jody Hodnett has faithfully served the Lord with his family in Scotland for several years.

As the situation unfolded Jody tried to contact his parents but could not get a response. He reached out on Facebook for someone, anyone, to find out if his parents had been impacted by the storms.

Powerless to Help

This is one of the struggles that missionaries face. As events unfold for family and friends in one nation, they struggle with the burden of feeling powerless to help them. They pray. They plan to do what the can. But they cannot jump in a car and drive a few hours to be with family. In the event of last years pandemic, they could not even hop on a plane within a day or so reach their loved ones.

Others face this to some degree. Perhaps those in the military most closely associate with this scenario.

Missionaries are called to go and represent Christ on a foreign field. They go for the Lord and for the souls who need to hear the Gospel. But as we are partners with them, they go on our behalf. They are not seeking fame or fortune.

This aspect of separation from family is one example of the sacrifice missionaries face.

What Can We Do?

• Pray.
  • Pray for the missionaries to be able to rest in the knowledge that God will look after their families according to His will.
  • Pray that the families will understand and support the families that have willingly made the sacrifice to serve the Lord.
  • Pray that, if need be, the missionaries will have the finances and opportunity to return and be with family.

• Act.
  • Love and serve the missionaries families who are near you.
  • If a son or daughter has gone on the field, then help the parents.
  • If parents are overseas, help the children.
  • Make sure the missionaries know that while you can never replace them, you will do what you can to help the family they have to leave behind.

Within a few hours Bro. Jody heard that his parents were fine. His hometown is facing months, if not years of rebuilding and recovery. Yet, we praise the Lord with him that his family are okay.

Next time you hear of this kind of an event, take a moment to consider the impact on missionaries. Know your local missionaries. Reach out to their families.

As we’ll be focusing on this weekend at our church’s missions conference, hold the ropes for those who have gone to serve the Lord.