Why partner with nationals?

This question is often asked, and has both a biblical and a practical answer. Biblically speaking, we realize that The Great Commission was a charge meant to be passed on to all believers as the Gospel was proclaimed around the world, and disciples of Jesus were made.  It is how the Apostle Paul worked.  We, therefore, believe that as Christ builds His Church, He not only saves, but also calls men from every nation to reach the lost around them, in their own “Jerusalem”, whether that church be in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Practically speaking, we realize that our time is short, and that we cannot “reach all the world” on our own. It would be presumptuous, and even unbiblical of us to try. We must, therefore, use all effective means available.  This has led us to a mission strategy that includes partnering with and assisting select men of integrity in other countries that share our doctrinal position and vision of ministry, since:

· As in our country, there are saved men of godly character already called and ministering around the world in countries already reached with the Gospel through previous missionary endeavors.  We are simply choosing to partner with “the fruit” of the second, third, and fourth generations of such mission work.

· The various local languages pose few, if any, barriers to them.

· National co-workers help Americans to better grasp the mindset of the indigenous people and culture.

· Nationals will often be more effective than foreigners at reaching and discipling their own people for Christ.

· They are already adapted to the climate and culture.

· Unlike American Missionaries, the national worker never leaves the mission field to go home ~ It is their home!

· If the doors ever close to foreign missions, well-equipped nationals will be able to carry on the work of “teaching them all things” in their respective countries, in accordance with 2 Tim. 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”