Allies of the Truth

When Roxene and I became missionaries, we were required by our mission board to recruit those who would become a part of our team as supporters.

“Grandma Miller” became one of our team members. During one of our furloughs, I had opportunity to visit with her. As I sat across from her in her living room, Grandma Miller shared about how, when she was a young girl, she thought it would be wonderful to be a missionary. Reading stories about missionaries fueled her desire to go and do ministry in a foreign land. But, due to circumstances of life, she was never able to go. She felt frustrated having to stay. Grandma Miller wanted to be involved in touching the world for Jesus Christ. But, instead, she found herself having to stay in one place to care for her ailing mother. Life for her was performing the routines of life and having to live in one place.

One day, a missionary spoke at the church she was attending. The guest speaker spoke about how not everyone could serve on the “frontlines,” but by being supporters, they would be “allies of the Truth.” Those in attendance were encouraged to be supporters. What Grandma Miller heard spoke to her heart. She realized that even though she could not physically go and be present on a mission field, her money and her prayers could “go.” Once she realized this and committed to being a supporter, the frustration she felt went away.

For 13 years, Grandma Miller prayed for Roxene and me and supported us financially as we served in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Cambodia. When I began teaching at Indiana Wesleyan University, equipping young men and women to be cross-cultural missionaries, she continued to pray for me. She shared, “For me, supporting those on the ‘frontline’ of ministry has not been an obligation, but a huge privilege. It has not just been a duty, but a delight!”

Someone once told me that as Jesus needs men and women to go forth with the Truth as “frontline” missionaries, He also needs those who will commit to be “allies of the Truth” at home.

I thank the Lord for those who have been faithful supporters of World Missions. Lives have been transformed because of your support.