"Then Moses said [to the tribes of Reuben and Gad], 'If you keep your word and arm yourselves for the Lord’s battles, and if your troops cross the Jordan and keep fighting until the Lord has driven out his enemies,  then you may return when the Lord has conquered the land. You will have fulfilled your duty to the Lord and to the rest of the people of Israel. And the land on the east side of the Jordan will be your property from the Lord. But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the Lord, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out'" (Num. 32:20-23). 

I vividly remember a well-known pastor preaching on this text in Bromley Baptist church many years ago. He applied it to non-involvement in evangelism and world missions and described the spiritual decline that would inevitably ensue; the loss of love for the lost, a preoccupation with self and the forsaking of our first love for Jesus. It carried a lot of conviction, but it wasn't condemning. He underlined that there are a myriad of ways in which we can all be involved.

In Guinea-Bissau the church leaders expected all missionaries to be well trained theologically, but also hoped they would have a significant practical contribution to make as well; both in doing and in training others. So I made many appeals when on deputation work to come and help no matter what gifts and professional or trade qualifications people might have. My QS background was invaluable. I was also asked to organize social projects in midwifery, agriculture, vegetable and salad gardens, lorry transport, production of mosquito nets and many other things. My initial reaction was to say I hadn't come to Guinea to be a social worker, but as time went by I could see it was a wonderful way to serve the church and the people.

I reflected again on Num. 32:20-23. Doesn't the worldwide family of God owe it to the less developed countries where the believers live in grinding poverty to help them to reach at least the minimum of normal and healthy living, before we settle down comfortably to enjoy what we have? I remember a G-B church leader saying: "We can do the evangelism, that is the easy part, but we need help in developing disciples. We don't want you to live in mud huts; it just embarrasses us. It is enough that you open your homes to us and make us welcome. We too have dreams, but we need your help to lift ourselves out of poverty."