What Are Some Christian Missionary Stories?
Christian missionary stories have been around since the beginning of Christianity. Paul is the most well-known biblical missionary, but there are others who served as missionaries in the Bible. Barnabas was Paul’s companion for missionary journeys. His name means “son of encouragement,” and his encouragement and support were indeed vital for early believers. Acts 11:24 says of Barnabas, “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, was also a missionary. Accounts suggest that he brought the Good News to South Asia, and tradition holds that his ministry there significantly contributed to the establishment of Christian communities in the region.[1]
More missionaries have been faithful to serve God and share His love over time. Like the apostle Thomas, William Carey, known as the father of modern missions, ministered in South Asia for forty-one years. John Eliot, an English missionary, worked with Native Americans in Massachusetts, printing the first North American Bible. From Scotland, Robert Moffat dedicated his life to missionary work in South Africa, translating the Bible into Tswana.[2]
Just like these biblical and modern missionaries, GFA World’s national missionaries continue to love and serve the people of the world. They have a passion to help people in their nations understand Christ’s love, and they do so in many ways: by praying for and ministering to the sick, providing income-generating gifts to families living in poverty, helping mothers and fathers value their children’s education and future development, and coordinating the installation of Jesus Wells to provide clean water. Wherever our national missionaries serve—in slums, rural villages, or cities—God shows them the specific ways they can tangibly express His love and care for those around them.[3]
One of our national missionaries is Pastor Vaclav. Aiming to bless widows and families in his community, he invited several of them to a gift distribution. These widows bore the burden of being the only one responsible for their families, and they feared that poverty would consume them and their loved ones. Pastor Vaclav knew that income-generating gifts would help them long term, and he handed out provisions to start a small shop. Now, a widow could sell groceries that would have been difficult for the other villagers to purchase otherwise, bringing in regular income for her and making the gift beneficial to all.[4]
You can help Christian missionaries in Africa and Asia, like Pastor Vaclav, by sponsoring one or more national missionaries for just $30 a month.[5] As they meet the physical needs of those around them, these faithful men and women show God’s love and transform whole communities.
Learn more about the faithful Christian missionaries who serve at GFA World[1] Ben. “Missionaries in the Bible: 9 Biblical Missionaries.” Missions Websites. January 5, 2024. https://missionswebsites.com/missionaries-in-the-bible.
[2] “24 Famous Missionaries.” Bibles.net. Accessed November 29, 2024. https://www.bibles.net/meet-24-famous-missionaries-and-their-stories.
[3] “National Missionaries: About National Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed November 29, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/why-national-missionaries.
[4] “Preventing a Family’s Plunge into Poverty.” GFA World. July 22, 2021. https://gospelforasia-reports.org/2021/07/preventing-a-familys-plunge-into-poverty.
[5] “National Missionaries: Sponsor a National Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed November 29, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor.