by Gale Towles
Synopsis: Discussing his labors in Africa, Gale reminds us that such work is rewarding and exciting but is often complicated and challenging. Laborers in foreign fields must learn to expect heartache as well as joy.
I have been asked to write about lessons I have learned from my experiences in foreign evangelism, with special consideration of the work in Africa. Though I spent many months in India during a period from 1992-2000, since 2002, I have been involved with evangelistic labors in southern and western Africa, which is a relatively small part of this huge country. There are many men with much more experience there than I have, including those who have lived "in country" for extended periods of time. I have talked with numerous men and read helpful materials that address the challenges of foreign work. The purpose of this article is to focus on some general, but pertinent, observations concerning foreign evangelism.
It would be very difficult and unwise to go into foreign fields without the support of a godly and courageous wife (Pro. 31:27-30). She must bear the burdens of home life while her husband is far away, sometimes unreachable. She learns to deal with her concerns for his safety because dangers are often associated with foreign work. Such humble, faithful women bless their husbands and bring glory to God.
Foreign evangelistic work is rewarding and exciting, yet often complicated and challenging. Sometimes initial reports may seem very optimistic and full of promise. Many may be drawn to the preaching of the gospel for motives that are less than pure. We must remember that only time and continued hard work will reveal whether a promising beginning will bear fruit in maturity. Those who labor must learn to expect heartache as well as joy (1 Cor. 3:10-15).
In His wisdom, Jesus sent his disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1-2). Give serious consideration to the person with whom you travel. A few years ago, my traveling partner and I had worked tirelessly with very little sleep over a period of about two weeks and were nearly used up. A very troubling situation surfaced and required diligent attention. Once the problem was addressed, I said to him, "At times like this, it really matters who you are working with, as there is virtually nothing left in us but character and submission to God's will." Each man is different and brings a unique set of skills, personality, and perspectives to the work that can be enriching in wonderful ways (Eph 4:11-16). Above all, he needs to be a humble servant of Christ. The wrong man can do much to harm the work and the cause of Christ. There is no room for ego here!
The first trip into any foreign country is a learning experience. This "new world" will take time to comprehend. Learning and understanding the local/national customs, culture, and mindset are often very challenging. How things look on the surface and reality may not be identical. This is troublesome and frustrating. A long, sad history exists of gifted, able, and often charismatic local men, whose motives and character ruin genuine gospel efforts.
The importance of a local man with proven character (not just ability) is priceless. Continuing to help these men develop is essential to the success of the work. I cannot overstate the importance of developing genuine, indigenous disciples of Christ for the long-term health of a work. Establish a local work from which local brethren can evangelize their communities and take the gospel out to others. Train a local "Timothy" or "Titus" to help others to grow (2 Tim. 2:2).
It is critical to take time to encourage new Christians to rise to meet their own responsibilities concerning giving to the Lord and in supporting a local faithful man whom they choose and respect. He needs to live by their standard of living, not by America's standard. Only in this way will local churches be able to provide support for their own man in due time. Remember, it is their work (really the Lord's) and not ours. The initial fanfare is not the goal, but rather bearing fruit after the passage of time. What does the local church look like after a few years have passed? What would happen to that work if American money dried up? Are disciples teaching others for the gospel's sake? The need for local congregations to take personal responsibility to grow and evangelize, independent from American congregations, money, and influence is paramount. This is the New Testament pattern of a healthy church and is wonderful to behold as it grows to maturity (1 Thess. 1:8).
As an evangelist, I am not trying to make "members of the church" but disciples of Christ. We need to be instructing people in the teachings of Christ that will promote a humble faith and spirit of obedience to Jesus Christ in everything (1 Tim. 1:5). If we succeed in this, other doctrinal matters will fall into place. The word of God will do its work, to be sure. Those who possess good and honest hearts will thrive (1 Thess. 2:13), and their light will shine forth to God's glory (Matt. 5:14-16).
We are not there to make "American" churches. Worship services, though sharing the same elements of worship as found in the New Testament, do not have to be identical in style to that of American churches. Their songs and manner of singing may be foreign to us; the order and time of services may be different. Where they meet may not resemble our meeting places at all. These Christians are in their own culture, not ours. As genuine disciples, they will stand out among their countrymen as children of God.
In my opinion, one of the greatest challenges facing those who work in foreign fields is money management. Men are usually traveling to countries far, far less affluent, facing poverty rarely experienced here at home. We are a generous-spirited and loving people, willing and waiting for the opportunity to help others. While this attitude is commendable, it must be balanced with wisdom, because money has tremendous power to poison the work. What may seem like a relatively small sum of money to us is wealth to poor people in other countries. Africa can experience long seasons of drought. After a time, local watering holes draw all animals because such are a source of much-needed and sought-after water. American funds have the same power to draw masses. At times, men have labored long to build small, but steady works. Later, well-meaning individuals entered into the work, handing out large sums of money, drawing numerous people, resulting in seemingly amazing growth. Once it becomes known that money is available to a certain group of people (i.e., Christians), money can become the drawing power instead of the gospel. It promotes jealousy, envy and striving for power among brethren. Unscrupulous men may insert themselves into leadership positions and control of funds.
From the beginning of my exposure to foreign evangelism, in my very early years of being a Christian, I had concerns about money and foreign evangelism. The church where I attended regularly received stacks of letters requesting financial help in foreign lands. Time and again, generous-hearted brethren sent large sums of money into foreign works after hearing of "needs" only to find out later that the identical plea had successfully gone out to many brethren. One non-Christian man in a foreign country other than Africa said to his daughter, who had become a Christian after moving away, "Christianity is just a business in this country." This skeptical man was later converted after observing the genuine faith of his daughter and son-in-law, but not because of what he had seen close to home. This is sad.
I am not alone in my concerns; many good and experienced men, both American and foreign, share these concerns. Even some among denominational groups bemoan their mistakes in the use of money in the propagation of the gospel during the past century. The proper handling of money has been one of the most difficult challenges for me. How do I show mercy, encourage and support good men without hurting the work or turning such churches or men into "American churches" or "American preachers"? I still struggle with this challenge and pray mightily for wisdom.
Many other things could and perhaps should be said, but space is limited. I want to conclude with expressions of appreciation to those preaching and teaching as well as those who so generously support such labors. Let us be about our Lord's work the wisest way possible. Let us seek and pray for His provision in our efforts serving Him. Eternity is in the balance for us as well as others. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to glorify Him.
Author Bio: Gale serves as evangelist and an elder at the State Line Church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Since 1992, he has engaged in evangelistic efforts in central India, southern and southwest Africa, and west Africa. The church website is statelinechurchofchrist.org. He can be reached at galebosl@gmail.com.
