Supporting Christian Missionaries: A Journey of Faith and Service
When you support Christian missionaries through GFA World, you join us in a mission to bring hope, renewal and God’s love to the world’s most underserved communities. Our work reflects a commitment to addressing both physical and spiritual needs, allowing individuals to experience the love of Christ in tangible and transformative ways.
In many of the areas we serve, poverty and limited resources create overwhelming challenges. Because of your partnership, our missionaries are able to provide practical assistance.
Missionaries are able to provide access to clean water, education and medical care, while sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. This dual approach defines the role of Christian missionaries, enabling them to serve as vessels of God’s grace and bring holistic transformation to communities in need.
One powerful example of this comes from a village where unsafe drinking water led to widespread illness. Thanks to your support, we installed a Jesus well that provided clean, safe water, drastically improving health and demonstrating God’s provision. Each time families use this well, they are reminded of His loving care and of the kindness of those who support Christian missionaries.[1]
GFA World also emphasizes empowering national missionaries, who are uniquely positioned to minister effectively within their own communities in Africa and Asia. These missionaries are from the region they serve in, speaking the language, sharing cultural traditions, and building trust in ways that outsiders often cannot. By sponsoring a national missionary for just $30 a month, you provide for them to serve full-time, sharing Christ’s love in areas that are often inaccessible to Western missions.[2]
These national missionaries undergo three years of rigorous ministry training to prepare them for effective service. Their work is marked by a deep passion for reaching their own people and the ability to navigate cultural nuances instinctively.[3] This allows them to serve in remote villages, slums and other marginalized areas with a sensitivity and understanding that makes their ministry uniquely impactful. Thousands of new fellowships have been established through their prayers, dedication and sacrificial love.[4]
One example of Christian missionary activities is seen in the story of a missionary who brought not only spiritual renewal but also practical assistance to a struggling community. In a village where poverty was constant, a couple working tirelessly in fields met a national missionary. With no success in boosting income, their desperation was palpable. The gift of piglets they received through the missionary transformed their lives, offering hope and a sustainable income source, thus laying a foundation for self-reliance.[5]
Prayer is another cornerstone of our mission.
We ask you to pray for the resilience, wisdom and encouragement of our missionaries, who often face cultural, spiritual and personal challenges in their work. Prayer connects us to God’s power and strengthens the resolve of those in the mission field. Your financial support also plays a critical role, ensuring that missionaries can focus fully on their calling without the distraction of funding uncertainties.[6]
Your partnership enables us to go beyond immediate relief for those we serve. Our initiatives include vocational training programs, educational opportunities and community health projects that address the root causes of poverty and create lasting change. For example, vocational training in tailoring, weaving, and candle-making, has empowered families to break free from cycles of poverty and dependence.[7] These efforts equip individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Sharing, Advocating, Gifting
There are many ways to support Christian missionaries beyond prayer and financial contributions. Sharing the stories of lives changed by GFA World helps to raise awareness and inspires others to join this mission. You can also advocate for our missionary efforts within your church by hosting informational events or organizing fundraising drives to provide additional resources.[8]
Practical gifts make a direct impact. Many missionaries need items such as teaching materials, medical supplies or tools for vocational training programs. By organizing collection campaigns within your community, you can help meet these needs. Volunteering your time and talents is another powerful way to contribute. Whether assisting with administrative tasks, providing technical expertise or participating in short-term mission trips, your involvement bolsters the work of our modern Christian missionaries.[9]
We are committed to providing gifts and services to the people we serve with no strings attached, reflecting God’s unconditional love. This principle builds trust and underscores the sincerity of our mission. Through these efforts, we live out James 2:16: “If … one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warm and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”[10]
The impact of your support extends, most importantly, to spiritual renewal as well. Our missionaries often connect with those who feel isolated or unloved. For example, when children are able to receive an education through missionaries that share the love and grace of Christ, the kids are inspired to hope, and for many, this encounter with God’s love becomes the foundation for a brighter future.[11]
By supporting Christian missionaries through GFA World, you are making an eternal investment. Sponsoring a national missionary for just $30 a month allows them to serve full time, bringing hope to communities that have never experienced the love of Christ.[12]
The challenges may be great, but the potential for impact is even greater. Together, we can provide clean water, vocational training and spiritual care, bringing the light of Christ to places where it is desperately needed. Join us today in spreading hope, restoring dignity and sharing God’s love.
Learn more about GFA’s ambassadors for Christ![1] Mains, Karen Burton. “Don’t Drink the Water!” GFA World, July 7, 2020. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/global-clean-water-crisis/.
[2] “Sponsor Missionaries Eager to Go to Villages Needing to Know God’s Love.” GFA World. December 19. 2024, https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/.
[3] “National Missionaries: About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[4] Julian Lukins of InChrist Communications. “National Workers: Unstoppable Compassion Force.” GFA World, August 19, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/missionary-work-by-national-workers/.
[5] “Piglets Displace Poverty for Family of Nine – Gospel for Asia Updates & Reports.” Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Updates & Reports from the Mission Field, January 7, 2021. https://gospelforasia-reports.org/2021/01/piglets-displace-poverty-family-nine/.
[6] “Sponsor a Missionary with GFA World.” GFA World. Accessed December 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.
[7] GFA World. “Pray for Vocational Training.” Accessed January 17, 2025. https://www.gfa.org/pray/vocational-training/.
[8] “Sponsor Missionaries Eager to Go to Villages Needing to Know God’s Love.” GFA World. December 19, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/.
[9] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed December 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/.
[10] “National Missionaries: About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed December 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[11] Riddle, Caitlin. “Missionary activities that changed the world.” Just Disciple. Accessed December 2024. https://justdisciple.com/missionary-activity.
[12] “Sponsor Missionaries Eager to Go to Villages Needing to Know God’s Love.” GFA World. December 19, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/.