By David Prairie
As we prepare to transition into full time missions, we often field many of the same questions from people. “Where are you going?” “What are you going to do?” “Why are you going there?” “What made you decide to do this?” “Can’t you just do that here in America?” “You need how much monthly support?”
Rather than attempt to give many of our answers to these questions here, I want to direct you to a recent post on the Desiring God website by Joost Nixon titled “Who Will Lead the Global Church in 2118?” This is possibly the best succinct explanation for the type of work we will be doing, and why we fell like it’s a desperate need that we can attempt to meet.
In short, the article builds the case for the need of theological education for pastors and church leaders around the world. America’s spiritual shortcomings are numerous, but one great blessing we have enjoyed is the opportunity for robust theological training from many distinguished colleges, universities, and seminaries represented by various denominations. Outside of the states, pastors have limited access to such educational riches.
One of our primary goals in pursuing missions is to fill this void. We want to see current and future pastors educated so that current and future churches and leaders can be strengthened, established, and multiplied. As the article states, trends indicate that the global church will be much less western-centric and much more southern and eastern. That does not mean that all should go. Certainly some (most) should stay and continue to represent and preach Christ in the US. But the need across the seas is too great to be ignored entirely.
We believe that we are being most obedient to the Lord by going to eastern Europe and serving him there by personally training future generations of pastors and missionaries. Your obedience might be in your staying but financially supporting us and our work. We pray that is true.
To begin a financial partnership with us, please visit abwe.org/give and search for “Prairie” when prompted. We currently stand at about 30% supported, which means that we need another $5,800/month in commitments before we can be ready to depart. We are also looking to share our vision with more people and churches, so please let us know if we can sit down with you to discuss this ministry. Continue to pray with us for God’s timing and provision in all of this. We are grateful to him, and to each of you for your continued prayers.
Prairie Quests 