Jesus gave every believer a mission: go into all the world, preach the Gospel, and make disciples. That calling includes reaching people who do not know Jesus, strengthening believers, and helping establish churches and ministries in the Word. We may not all be called to physically travel to another nation, but every one of us can have a part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Partnership is one of the ways we do that. When we pray, give, and provide resources for those who are called to go, we become part of the work and part of the harvest. We help put transportation, fuel, teaching materials, and other practical resources into the hands of people who are already positioned to reach their communities.

We are seeing this firsthand in Ukraine. Rather than trying to recreate what God has already established, we have been able to come alongside local pastors who know their communities and are continuing to minister in the middle of war. By helping provide resources, transportation, fuel, vehicle repairs, encouragement, and teaching, we can strengthen them to continue doing what God has called them to do.

And the Word is working.

Even in the middle of tremendous natural pressure, believers are experiencing provision, finding jobs and opportunities, seeing churches grow, and leading people to Christ. Faith does not stop working because circumstances become difficult. God is still our Source, and His Word still works in situations that may look impossible in the natural.

One pastor demonstrated that kind of faith when he drove into an active combat zone to evacuate civilians. After discovering that a grandmother, mother, and young boy had been left behind, he refused to accept that they were lost. He prayed in the Holy Spirit, returned under fire, and was led directly to them. All three received Jesus as Lord, and the mother and son are now attending church.

That is faith in action, but it is also partnership in action. Someone helped put that vehicle and fuel into his hands. Someone helped provide the resources that allowed him to go when the opportunity came.

First John teaches us that love is more than something we say. When we see our brothers and sisters in need, love responds with action. Through prayer, giving, partnership, and obedience, we can help people we may never meet and reach places we may never personally visit.

The encouragement this week is simple. Never underestimate your part in the Great Commission. Some are called to go. Others help send them. Together, we preach the Gospel, strengthen the Church, and put faith and love into action around the world.