Praying for those who will go

Go Now Missions recently hosted Discovery Weekend at First Baptist Church Midlothian, where 195 students were issued invitations to serve as Go Now Missionaries after the weekend. There were 50 small group leaders, made up of BSM Staff, Church Staff and students who are former Go Now Missionaries; 25 host homes provided by FBC Midlothian; 17 who served on the Prayer Team; and 25 who served on the Servant Team. Below is a story from one leader who served on the Prayer Team.

As a former GoNow missionary, I had the opportunity of serving on the Prayer Team for Go Now's Discovery Weekend this year. My perspective has been broadened concerning missions through my experience with Go Now.

During the weekend, we prayed for students at the mission's fair, team building sessions, the prayer room, and host homes. Walking up to students and asking them if I could pray for them was truly a highlight of this awesome weekend. I value prayer more than I had, and I am prone to remember that I have the opportunity to speak to my Creator when I need to.

A few years ago, I participated in Discovery Day as a potential missionary. I enjoyed opening my heart to serve the Lord, to my team for the day. From applying to be a missionary on Discovery Day to being on the Prayer Team, I now knew how to pray for the applying students. A lot of the students were worried about not knowing which trip they wanted to go on. But I enjoyed hearing how the speakers directed the student's thoughts and prayers to the Lord. The speakers discussed that it is not about the trip itself and where you go, it is about being obedient to simply go.

Being on the prayer team this year allowed me to see and understand how important it is to support missionaries by praying. Praying for those going out is just as important as going out on the mission field. The difference is your action toward the Lord.

We are the body of Christ and the word says that there are different parts to that body. 1 Corinthians 12:12, "For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ."

Going to the host homes during the day was one of the best parts of being on the prayer team. The students were in a very relaxed setting and were excited to see us come to pray for them. We initially came to pick up a large sticky note list which had prayer request from the students. As we looked around confirming whether the students were not occupied, we stopped and prayed for them. It seemed like students were more specific in their prayer request in the home setting.

One student asked for prayer about her parent's willingness to let her go on a mission trip. God had opened up an opportunity for her parents to visit the parent meeting during Discovery Weekend when they thought they would not make it.

Inviting the Holy Spirit to be where you are and asking Him to flow into those around you is important for us to live out God's purpose for our lives. When we invite Him, our mind is focused on Him, and He does all of the work. The middle of February is the deadline for students to accept where they have been appointed. Please pray with us that they would be obedient to go and share the Gospel.