“Steve, there is a clinic where I work a couple of days a month aside from my regular practice. The work is particularly trying, and I haven’t enjoyed it much, but it needs to be done.”

A physician friend, whom I had phoned to thank for his sizeable donation to our mission, was explaining the story behind his pledge of support. “I prayed about my predicament,” he continued, “and the Lord impressed me with an idea: dedicate my earnings from that clinic to your mission. That way, when I start feeling miserable at the clinic, I can know my work is helping you bring the Gospel to the Gogodala. This gives me added motivation and purpose while doing an undesirable task.”

My friend’s motivation is a lot like my own. Cross-cultural missionaries also face discouraging circumstances, but we are energized by notes of encouragement and gifts and pledges of support. They remind us of the awesome responsibility entrusted to us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul instructs Christians to encourage one another and lift each other up. I believe this is teamwork as our Creator intended.—Stephen Erickson

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