Ralph Winter said that instead of going to the mission field, it could be more strategic to stay home and send 100 people. But if you say “I’m a sender” rather than “I’m a goer,” you need to be a sender.
Right now the biggest problem is not the restricted access or the persecution—it’s the lack of people, and the lack of resources to support the people in the field.
We need (1) funding and help for effective recruitment structures and processes that recruit more workers and (2) long-term funding for long-term workers.
Too many people want to focus on specific, “cool” projects – millions of Bibles! end human trafficking! disciple all believers! Those are necessary things, but too often at the detriment of workers who live long-term in a place, inculturate, and bring the Gospel into the neighborhood. The completion of the task requires long-term commitments (with many short-term projects).
I wish for a major funder who would see the value in missionary mobilization and bring resources, experience and connections to bear.
Instead most funders say “we don’t fund administration” and “we don’t fund recruitment” and “we only fund stuff in the field.”
This kind of strategic short-sightedness is a shame.
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