The Courage of Women in Missions

Sending Katherine to YWAM

Romans 16:1 - 7
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.  Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Women have played a powerful role in ministry since the foundation of the Church.  In this portion of scripture we see we see Phoebe commended as a diakanos (minister) of the Church in the city of Cenchrea and then we see Paul addressing Priscilla and Aquila and the Church that is in their house.  In that culture it was common for the leader to be mentioned first.  Finally we see Junia (feminine) whom Paul listed among the apostles. 

Today I received an newsletter from Ministry to Christian Nationals.  Our friends Roger and Janice Tompkins have been doing an apostolic work since we first met them in the Philippines since 1989.  They have raised up many Filipinos whom they have sent to the nations.  Now they are sending 7 more courageous ministers (women) to minister in Indonesia.  In this letter he alludes to a trend that has existed in missions for years.  It is eye opening, inspiring and challenging. 

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