Religious freedom has been enjoyed in the former Soviet Union for twenty years. New churches have been constructed and dedicated to the Lord. Evangelism abounds, as many repent and enter into the kingdom of God. Bible colleges, institutes and seminaries have been established to prepare future leaders for ministry. God is calling men and women to serve Him in large cities, average size towns and small villages. With all this activity, one would conclude that the former Soviet Union is quite sufficient and needs no assistance from anyone to evangelize, educate or exhort their people in spiritual matters. But this assumption is not accurate! Just ask anyone who ministers in Eastern Europe on a regular basis. The "load" still needs to be lightened by those believers who are likeminded in faith and love.Although many awesome and amazing events have already occurred in the former Soviet Union, many obstacles still abound. Political and economical pressures continue to be major hindrances in the progress of projects. In some areas, the opportunities to utilize halls or auditoriums are no longer available. Property is no longer given to erect new churches, and the increasing cost of materials is obstructing the construction of buildings already begun. Ministries especially designed for discipleship need to be examined and implemented. Missionaries are still needed in many areas where no spiritual work has yet been established.
One question must be asked, "How can I help the work on foreign fields?" Can one person assist the efforts effectively and see real results? "All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). As God's children, we are encouraged by the Scriptures to exemplify the life of the Savior in everything we express. Therefore, God expects us to offer our time, our talents and our tears for the furtherance and fellowship of the Gospel in our own communities and on the foreign field.
First of all, God exhorts us in His Holy Word to "redeem the time, for the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). During Jesus' time upon the earth, the Gospels clearly show "how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38). How does your time benefit the work of the Lord? Do you spend time praying for the missionaries who now labor in the former Soviet Union? Have you ever considered that you could offer assistance to a missionary who is traveling to the foreign field? Or have you ever thought of taking a trip yourself? Can you say like David, "My times are in Your hand" (Psalm 31:15)? Secondly, God expects us to utilize the talents He has given to "each according to his own ability" (Matthew 25:15). Have you ever contemplated creating something for the family of a missionary or for opportunities of outreach? Can your talents benefit the mission's committee in your church? Because of God-given talents, many believers advance in their vocations financially. With that God-given success, should not support be given to a mission or a specific missionary? Also, have you ever thought to share your spiritual gifts to others overseas? He, who possessed multiple gifts and talents, told us that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).
Finally, God exhibits to us the example of tears. God weeps for mankind, "not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus, His Son, beheld the city of Jerusalem "and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). How much more should we weep for the wayward, the weak and the wasted! "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting" (Psalm 126:5). When was the last time that you poured out your soul for lost souls in the former Soviet Union? Have you ever listened to the laments of a committed laborer who yearns to further his ministry but lacks funds? "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). The admonitions are clearly apparent. Reasonable service for the work of God includes our time, our talents and our tears. Whether you decide to go and show your faith on the foreign field or you decide to stay and pray with humbleness in your hometown, your dedication will truly be noticed by God. In our service for missions, may we be "useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7
