The Value of Prayer Partners

In the past eight months I have endeavored to greatly increase our communication with our many prayer partners around the world.  It is time-consuming to compose weekly email updates, and especially if much detail is given.  Is it worth it?  I believe it is, and here is why.  Keeping people informed of what is going on in our ministry is a key component in obtaining their regular and earnest prayers, and we know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

We have seen God's hand of blessing upon our ministry in a great way this year, and I believe it is due in part to the increased prayer which in turn is due in part to the increased communication.  I received a very encouraging email this morning in response to a ministry update which I sent yesterday.  The email was very brief, but it revealed a heart that is heavily invested in our ministry in Cambodia.  Here is the email of which I speak in its entirety: 

Tears of joy!!!  That is what I wept when I read of Sonyta’s salvation!!!!  Praise the Lord!!!!!  The ministry that God has allowed you to be a part of in Cambodia has become such a part of my life, and is becoming a great part of my prayer life.  Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful blessings so that we can be partakers of your joy.  Thank you so much for serving the Lord in Cambodia!

The sentence which I underlined is no doubt the hope of every missionary concerning his supporters back in the US or in their home country.  We do not merely desire for our partners to have a casual interest in our ministry, but for the ministry to become a part of their lives and particularly to become a great part of their prayer life.  A special thank you to the woman in Oklahoma for this great lesson in how to pray for missionaries.