The Life of a Regional Missionary | Part 3
After sharing with you why we’re here in New England, and what it’s like to be here, we thought it might be helpful to let you know some of the specific needs we have as regional missionaries.
One of the biggest differences between being a regional missionary and being an international missionary (besides the location!) is that people often forget that we even are missionaries. Because we live locally, work hard, and our lives, in many ways, resemble the lives of those around us, others frequently assume we are employed by a local church or other religious organization. We're not.
Without a predictable income, regular paychecks or retirement accounts, we can often feel like we're "living without a net." Sometimes, like this last year, it's a wild ride! However, this way of life gives us the opportunity to watch in real time as the Lord provides for us in miraculous ways, again and again.
As with any missionary, the needs of regional missionaries can feel overwhelming at times, because there are so many, including:
Financial support for basic daily living, including living quarters, office space, food, clothing, insurance, and more
Prayer support
Strong, healthy friendships with other believers
Close relationships with mature ministers for our own personal pastoral needs
Rest and refreshment
Time and places to receive from the Lord
For most regional missionaries, there is no single source of income, resources, or support.
Provision is truly the work of the Holy Spirit who calls others to join the call on our lives, partnering with us so that we can work as a team. Not everyone will understand our unique needs and as a result, sometimes just a few individuals carry a heavier share of weight. For example, our housing has been carried by one person for eight years. However, now God has made it clear that because our network and influence have grown, it is time for others to share in carrying this part of the mission.
Our supporters have become very creative in how they care for us and help meet our needs:
Some have given towards scholarships for those who do not have resources to go through individual freedom programs or training.
We’ve had support for our ministry trips and travel expenses.
Others have helped cover extra medical and health expenses.
Some in our circle offer support by always being ready for a chat over the phone or a cup of coffee, offering a listening ear and an encouraging word.
Still others support us by praying for us, for our ministry, for the events we lead, and for our many ministry receivers.
We’ve even been blessed by a few that have met our need for rest and relationships by giving us weekends away to bless our marriage, or longer trips home to connect us with our children and grandchildren.
Last summer, we were able to meet our newest granddaughter in the Dallas area! This is such a gift to us because without additional funds, these connections would not be possible. We are grateful for this most recent trip, and at the same time our hearts desire to make regular trips to visit our son in Hawaii and our grandson who just turned nine last week. We haven’t seen them since he was six!
While these are sacrifices we willingly make in answer to God’s call, we can’t ignore how it affects our overall well-being. We are strengthened and comforted knowing that God is interested in every need we have. We trust He has those in our family secure, and that He will not neglect our basic need for strong family relationships.
All of this is what it means to live a lifestyle of active, everyday faith. To answer God’s call on our lives, we must place everything in His hands knowing that He will provide in His timing and through those who value His calling on our lives.
As for me (Renee), I come from a long line of ministers, pastors, trailblazers and missionaries- people that truly gave their lives to share God’s love and truth with those He longs to reach. At age seven, I received the gift of salvation and at thirteen, gave my whole heart to serving God, whatever that meant at the time. Since then, we’ve been on an adventure together. I had no idea what my life was going to look like at that time, but as I look back over 40+ years, I can see God’s hand over every piece and every moment. I've done ministry all over the world and could be used anywhere but this is where He has us now and we wouldn't be anywhere else except in the center of His will! There's nothing like the peace that comes, even in the midst of moments of financial concern, indeed especially in those moments!
This is such a clear picture of what I believe God is doing today in New England. God has not forgotten New England. GOD LOVES NEW ENGLAND. His heart for this region is why we are here, doing what we are doing. Caring for the hearts and souls of those who need Him most. We are here to give a clear call of Jesus for lasting healing, full and mature disciples and to equip churches to be the light they are called to be.
So while we have many needs, the call is great and the blessings even greater. This is why we long to persevere, and by God’s grace, we do!
This last year has been a challenging one, but the Lord has continued to provide. You can read more in our October newsletter about how He has been answering our prayers and providing for our needs.
We also invite you to attend our first-ever Annual Gathering Fundraiser on Friday, November 15. More details in our October newsletter.
As always, thanks for your support. It is an honor and privilege to be a missionary in New England, and we couldn’t do it without you!
~Renee
Love to hear how you guys are doing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We have missed you both and pray your needs are met. May our God bless you unbundantly. Amen
Jeffrey Hardy Sr