Only a missionary can know just how important it is to have congregations who are supporting you which take special interest in the work being done. Many congregations simply send regular contributions to those who are serving the Lord in a distant place, but then there are those whose support goes far beyond a monthly check. One of the factors which makes this difference is personal knowledge and a close relationship between the missionary and the local congregation.
One thing which is most comforting to that family in a foreign land is knowing there are brethren who assume primary responsibility for the welfare of that family. Called by various names like overseeing congregation or sponsoring congregation, the missionary can live with great peace of mind knowing there are those who have special interest in him and his family. That sponsoring church becomes the focal point where monies can be sent and deposited to the missionary account. When some supporting individual or congregations fail to send the monthly check, the missionary does not have to worry about his support—the sponsoring church will take care of the matter. Then, when there is counsel and advice needed to further the work, that sponsoring church—because it has been actively involved in the mission effort—is there to share its thoughts and provide its encouragement to the missionary family.
We are so thrilled that next month we will become the sponsoring church for Chris Fry and his family. He’s been in Paraguay for five years and we have provided monthly funds for his work since it began. Next month we will become even more involved. Funds for the work he does will be funneled through us, his new sponsoring congregation. We are so thankful that this door has been opened to us!
Chris grew up at Palm Beach Lakes. His father is one of our deacons and there is no family more loved at PBL than the Frys. We have watched the fantastic growth of the new work in Asuncion, Paraguay. Our members have made trips to help in that work. Next year we will be sending two families from Palm Beach Lakes, the Blackmers and the Spradlins, to become part of the team in Asuncion.
We have dreamed for years about having our own missionary family in a foreign land. God has done far more than we could have ever imagined. We soon will have three missionaries and their families! God is so good!