Mission For Moms on the Sidelines

As mothers it can, at times, be a challenge to attend outreaches with your husband. Between weather conditions, child illnesses, and more, we cannot always join our husbands on the streets. However, this does not let us off the hook ladies. We have an important role to play even in times when we are not allowed to be physically on the “front lines”. Here are some ways in which you can complete your mission on the sidelines…

PRAYER (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – This is an important one wives. We are commanded in Scripture to “Pray without ceasing”. What a great way to obey this command by praying in this situation. There are several things we can pray for in regards to the outreach. Pray with your husband throughout the week about the upcoming event he will be attending as well as praying right before and during the outreach.  Here are a few areas that I try and pray for when my husband goes out to preach the gospel:

·         Pray for your husband and other brothers and sisters in Christ. They NEED your prayers. Take time to pray for each individual that you know will be in attendance at the outreach. Pray for their protection while they are out proclaiming God’s Word to people. Also pray that God would give them wisdom in their witnessing conversations.

·         Pray for those being witnessed to. Pray for God to soften their hearts to receive the message proclaimed by the laborers. Pray for conviction.

·         Pray for minimal distractions so that nothing would hinder or stop God’s Word from being preached.

·         Pray above all for God’s will to be done and that He might be glorified in the outreach, receiving all the credit.

You can even pray with your husband afterward thanking God for keeping your husband safe and for allowing him to serve God through the outreach.

ENCOURAGEMENT (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:23-25) – We play an important role as wives. We do not even realize it sometimes, but we build our husbands up or tear them down by our words and our actions. Scripture teaches that we are to encourage our brethren and build them up. Wives, encourage your husband before he leaves. Let him know how much you admire being married to a man who desires to obey God and has a passion for the lost. Remind him of God’s promises of protection and guidance. Give him a scripture verse that he can trust in while he is out. Encouragement can take place after the outreach as well. Take some time to talk with your husband about the outreach. Listen to him intently and offer encouragement whether the outreach went “good” or “bad”.

ASSISTANCE (Genesis 2:18) – We are called to be our husband’s helpers. This is what we were created for as it “was not good for man to be alone”. Not all the work that is done in evangelism takes place on the streets. I know every week my husband has to prepare and transport all his materials from his amplification to banners to tracts and bibles. Share the load with your husband if he needs you to. Or perhaps the best thing you can do is provide an opportunity for him to prepare without interruptions from the children. Take them outside to play or to a separate area of the house where they will not steal his attention from the task at hand.

EVANGELISM (Mark 16:15) – Who says the evangelism has to remain at the event site? Moms can evangelize from the comfort of their own home during these times. Whether you invite an unsaved friend over or take to internet evangelizing friends or total unknowns, the proclamation of the gospel does not have to be put on hold.

 These are some of the ways in which a wife can still be active in evangelism ministry. Remember wives and moms, your role to play in an evangelism ministry is an important one, whether alongside your husband preaching and handing out tracts or at home in your prayer closet. Whether on the streets or in the nursery with your kids, you can be involved in evangelism in some fashion and aid in the public proclamation of the gospel.

*All of these suggestions can or should be applied whether you are on the front lines or sidelines.