Working in the background is never as glamorous as being in the spotlight. It may feel like you are not as valuable to the work.
I served as a missionary in Japanese church leadership for a number of years, but seven years ago, I was asked to step back and lead missionaries. This was a more administrative role, which would mean no longer spending the majority of time with Japanese in a church: preaching, teaching, and doing all I could to make disciples. Instead, I was being asked to serve missionaries.
It was not an easy decision. But, even though it was not my first choice, I’ve begun to see how God can use me in this leadership role, perhaps in an even greater way, to reach the people of Japan with the gospel. Instead of just helping one church, I can have an impact on many churches as I network to find like-minded disciple-making pastors to partner with and place missionaries in those strategic places for greater impact! This role also involves helping our missionaries work in partnership with the Japanese. I am equipping and growing along with them as these workers serve on the front lines.
I am reminded that this is also a picture of the body of Christ—every part working together to bring about the results God desires. Every part is equally important and each one appreciating the other for the part they are. We don’t always feel it or see it, but God makes it clear that every one of us has an important role to play. It is when we trust him and walk by faith in these roles that God makes it clear how valuable we are in his loving hands.
By Tim, an OMF missionary
