What is a sender? In a world-evangelism church, we do all we can to get the gospel to the world. We promote world missions. We pray that God will send people to the mission field. We are willing to go ourselves! We know that not all go. Some will stay in their local church. All "obedient" Christians, however, will have the heart to get the gospel to the world. They will not see staying here as a "pass" from doing God's will of sending the "good news of salvation" to the world.

The idea of a sender is clearly seen in a story in Ezra 1. God told Cyrus to build Him a house in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:2. Cyrus asked for volunteers who would go up to Jerusalem and build the house of the Lord. Ezra 1:3.

Ezra then called on those who would remain behind to help with their goods. Ezra 1:4. Some would stay behind, remain while others would go. Those remaining would help those that would go! So we see in the story the goers, missionaries, and the senders, those that remained. Some went while others helped them, giving them what they needed to do the work.

Obviously, this story is about building the temple. Our story is about preaching the gospel message. This story is in the Old Testament, and ours is in the New Testament. But there does appear to be a correlation! We call senders those who stay behind but are willing to help. Senders want to see God's purposes accomplished, even if they aren't going as missionaries. They will stay and help. They will strengthen the hands of those who go.

So what can those of us who remain do to strengthen the hands of those who are going? Here are a few ideas for you to consider in your ministry as a sender.

1. Prepare cards and notes to send to your missionary. Especially think of the children. They will love opening cards and be excited to see a few dollars or a gift card from iTunes or Amazon.

2. Prepare a report on your missionary to share in the bulletin, prayer meeting, or in the Goer Sender Coalition. It will mean the world to the missionary to know that we are thinking of them and praying for them.

3. Consider setting up a display from their country and ministry.  Give out their prayer cards. Get people talking about them and praying for them.

4. Prepare a gift for your missionary and their children when they return to your church.

5. Keep them, their needs, and prayer requests before your church!

I am sure you have other ideas of what can be done to encourage your missionaries and your church towards the cause of World Evangelism. Please share them with me!