Financially supporting Evangelical missionaries?

[susie_g]

Hi All,

Back when I was an evangelical, I was studying to be a foreign missionary. I fully intended to go overseas and spread the gospel to people who had never heard.

Now, I am a Catholic, but still have a heart for foreign missions, although see it differently now. Many protestant missionaries have the focus of church planting, translating the scriptures, getting people “saved”, etc.

I have many evangelical friends that are overseas serving as missionaries. What these missionaries do is send out newsletters asking people to pray for them and also to support them financially. They survive completely on donations from people who are committed to helping spread the gospel, but for whatever reason do not go overseas themselves.

Anyway, up until now I have refrained from sending money to any of these friends because I’m not sure it’s OK to support them financially when they are not promoting the real church. As far as I know, they are not anti-Catholic (some organizations definitely are, but not the ones that my friends belong to), but they do promote the protestant/evangelical point of view which is not Catholic.

I’m bringing this up today because I just received another letter from some very dear friends who are serving in Cambodia. They ask for prayers, and I do pray for them. They also have the need to buy a new truck, and so they need even more money than their normal monthly amount.

What is the right thing to do in this situation? What do you all think of sending donations to protestant/evangelical missionaries?

 

[bengal_fan]

Matthew 25:34-40

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

i don’t see anything in here that says “as long as they believe everything you do, give them food, clothing, shelter, MONEY”. i would say support your friends.

 

[ibkc]

I would not support them if they are targeting Catholics for conversion, as evangelicals often do.

 

[fbl9]

thanks for starting this thread if these missornarys main focus was to help others in terms of social justice issues than i would have no problem sending them money, if it is their intent to start a non catholic church then in my own concious i could not do that.for me it would be partaking in the spread of error.do something better then sending them money send yourself.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Hi All,

When I first read this thread and posts I became angry and thought dont say anything because it will come out wrong, so I walked away.Disclaimer(Im an evangelical born again christian(not a missionary though))

But, as I thought about it more I felt like the Holy Spirit was nagging me to say something(I felt like I was being convicted).

So here it goes.

The CC church says that people can absolutely be saved outside the CC–correct. Catholics even call us seperated brethren and that we can also be saved but we just dont take all opportunities that the CC offers. Soooo,

Missionaries are going out and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ so people around the world can hear the Good News
They are doing 1.) What God told us to do and 2)Imitating what the apostles did by going out and making disciples of all nations.

What is so wrong with that? I understand we have our differences but not in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so these people all over the world can know and have eternal life if they accept the message.

If you know these missionaries and you know they have a heart for Christ and are spreading the message of Christ–then you should absolutely support them.

If I knew catholic missionaries and I knew their heart was for the Lord I would support them.

You cant just make this about evangelicals vs. catholics and who is right and who is wrong.We both believe in the birth death and resurrection of Christ and that He died to forgive us of our sins so we could spend eternity in heaven with Him—do we not? That is whata the gospel message of Christ is all about:thumbsup: It has to be about Jesus Christ and telling people about Him every chance you get.

PHEW! OK I hope that didnt sound nasty or harsh. That was not my intention. So please dont take it that way.

I guess this just struck a nerve–sorry.

 

[fbl9]

hi ALLFORHIM no offense taken.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I would not support them if they are targeting Catholics for conversion, as evangelicals often do.

Missionaries target people who do not believe. Before they preach the message they ask people questions so they can get an idea of where these people are coming from(religion wise).

Missionaries are not out to pounce on catholics. They are simply out there preaching the message of Hope in Christ to anyone who wants to listen If a catholic happens to be there to listen then so be it.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

hi ALLFORHIM no offense taken.

Thanks I agree about sending yourself.

 

[sheila0405]

This is a post that really hit home with me. I became a Catholic in 2004, at the ripe old age of 49. My best friend is a missionary, and Catholics are routinely targeted as “unsaved” because of the erroneous idea that Catholics try to earn their way into heaven via good works. Another good friend, also a missionary, was very upset when he found out I had converted. Supporting either of them would mean that my money would be spent in a way that could deceive Catholics. Evangelicals are very adept at pulling Catholics out of the RCC. I gave money to the second friend for a targeted purpose–moving into a new home. I am also supporting my best friend’s daughter on a summer mission trip because the money will be used to assist the poor in South America. My rule of thumb is not giving money to the organization which will preach a message against what we Catholics believe. But of course, we assist our friends and family members with physical needs. I don’t know if this will help or not, but I certainly share your conflicted feelings! :juggle:

 

[susie_g]

Hi All,

When I first read this thread and posts I became angry and thought dont say anything because it will come out wrong, so I walked away.Disclaimer(Im an evangelical born again christian(not a missionary though))

But, as I thought about it more I felt like the Holy Spirit was nagging me to say something(I felt like I was being convicted).

So here it goes.

The CC church says that people can absolutely be saved outside the CC–correct. Catholics even call us seperated brethren and that we can also be saved but we just dont take all opportunities that the CC offers. Soooo,

Missionaries are going out and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ so people around the world can hear the Good News
They are doing 1.) What God told us to do and 2)Imitating what the apostles did by going out and making disciples of all nations.

What is so wrong with that? I understand we have our differences but not in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so these people all over the world can know and have eternal life if they accept the message.

If you know these missionaries and you know they have a heart for Christ and are spreading the message of Christ–then you should absolutely support them.

If I knew catholic missionaries and I knew their heart was for the Lord I would support them.

You cant just make this about evangelicals vs. catholics and who is right and who is wrong.We both believe in the birth death and resurrection of Christ and that He died to forgive us of our sins so we could spend eternity in heaven with Him—do we not? That is whata the gospel message of Christ is all about:thumbsup: It has to be about Jesus Christ and telling people about Him every chance you get.

PHEW! OK I hope that didnt sound nasty or harsh. That was not my intention. So please dont take it that way.

I guess this just struck a nerve–sorry.

I understand what you are saying, and I certainly didn’t mean to make you angry. I was born and raised in the evangelical faith, and know where you are coming from. My problem would not be with people spreading the good news that Jesus Christ died for their sins, loves them, has a place for them in heaven, etc.

Here’s an example of something in my own missions experience. When I was in college, (Biola University, in Los Angeles area, very conservative, evangelical college), I went on several short-term missions trips to Honduras. We went to small, rural villages and did things like put in water systems, build schools, etc, as well as preaching and teaching and trying to win souls. In one of these villages, there was a small Catholic church. We made a point of telling the people that God did not live in that church, and they didn’t need a pope telling them what to do, they could just pray a prayer, be saved, follow the Bible alone, etc. Now, as a Catholic, I realize that that was a very wrong message to be giving them. The physical projects, (water pipes, new school, etc) were great, and, I believe, well worth supporting no matter what your faith, but the preaching is/was wrong. And, we were not even anti-Catholic, necessarily, just a group of well-intentioned college kids.

That is why I feel so conflicted. Is there really a way to spread the protestant version of the faith without bashing, even unintentionally, the true faith? Should I, as a Catholic, be financially supporting these friends of mine?

And, as to the comment that I should be going myself. You are so right. I pray for that often. My husband is not really open to that at this time, but I’m praying for him as well in this regard. The desire to be a missionary certainly hasn’t left me just because I became a Catholic.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I understand what you are saying, and I certainly didn’t mean to make you angry

. Thats OK–you didnt really make me mad–I think it was the idea–It just sparked a nerve–not your fault

Here’s an example of something in my own missions experience. When I was in college, (Biola University, in Los Angeles area, very conservative, evangelical college), I went on several short-term missions trips to Honduras. We went to small, rural villages and did things like put in water systems, build schools, etc, as well as preaching and teaching and trying to win souls. In one of these villages, there was a small Catholic church. We made a point of telling the people that God did not live in that church, and they didn’t need a pope telling them what to do, they could just pray a prayer, be saved, follow the Bible alone, etc. Now, as a Catholic, I realize that that was a very wrong message to be giving them. The physical projects, (water pipes, new school, etc) were great, and, I believe, well worth supporting no matter what your faith, but the preaching is/was wrong. And, we were not even anti-Catholic, necessarily, just a group of well-intentioned college kids.

I understand.

That is why I feel so conflicted. Is there really a way to spread the protestant version of the faith without bashing, even unintentionally, the true faith?

I think what you need or I hope you realize is that the CC is not the only true faith. IMHO that is what is wrong on both sides. Each side thinks they have all the truth. The fact is that both have truths and both have false teachings. I cant really explain this the way I want to–sorry. Ultimately and i say this with love Since the CC claims sole everything–there are going to be people who will fight this, because it just simply isnt true.

Should I, as a Catholic, be financially supporting these friends of mine?

Maybe you should talk to them and tell them how you feel and go from there. Definitely pray about it and see where the Holy Spirit leads you.

And, as to the comment that I should be going myself. You are so right. I pray for that often. My husband is not really open to that at this time, but I’m praying for him as well in this regard. The desire to be a missionary certainly hasn’t left me just because I became a Catholic. ]/QUOTE]
Good for you I pray that your hubby softens. My hubby doesnt have anything to do with church at all If I ever go on a mission trip it will be by myself or with my kids.
Ill pray for you guys.

 

[PaulDupre]

Missionaries target people who do not believe. Before they preach the message they ask people questions so they can get an idea of where these people are coming from(religion wise).

Missionaries are not out to pounce on catholics. They are simply out there preaching the message of Hope in Christ to anyone who wants to listen If a catholic happens to be there to listen then so be it.

In my experience, this is simply not true. The Evangelical missionaries I have encountered in Mexico and The Philippines definitely target Catholics and spread all manner of lies about the Catholic faith. I would not support them.

There are periodic collections taken up in every Catholic parish for support of Catholic missions overseas. I contribute to those and recommend that every Catholic do the same.

Paul

 

[ALLFORHIM]

In my experience, this is simply not true. The Evangelical missionaries I have encountered in Mexico and The Philippines definitely target Catholics and spread all manner of lies about the Catholic faith. I would not support them.

There are periodic collections taken up in every Catholic parish for support of Catholic missions overseas. I contribute to those and recommend that every Catholic do the same.

Paul

Well, the ones we support dont do that. But your right Im sure there are ones who do.

 

[susie_g]

.
I think what you need or I hope you realize is that the CC is not the only true faith. IMHO that is what is wrong on both sides. Each side thinks they have all the truth. The fact is that both have truths and both have false teachings. I cant really explain this the way I want to–sorry. Ultimately and i say this with love Since the CC claims sole everything–there are going to be people who will fight this, because it just simply isnt true.

Well, this is changing the subject of my original post, but the Catholic Church*** is*** the true church, established by Jesus Christ before he left this earth. The Protestant denominations have some of the truth, but they have removed some key elements as well, especially the Eucharist.

I see that you have made thousands of postings on these forums, and so probably you have already gotten into this discussion with people on these boards. I can imagine what “false teachings” you think the CC has, but I’m curious as to what false teachings you recognize in the Protestant denominations.

 

[water]

I support them if they bring Christ to people; I don’t support them if they take the full truth away from people.

 

[Lee]

Hi All,

When I first read this thread and posts I became angry and thought dont say anything because it will come out wrong, so I walked away.Disclaimer(Im an evangelical born again christian(not a missionary though))

But, as I thought about it more I felt like the Holy Spirit was nagging me to say something(I felt like I was being convicted).

So here it goes.

The CC church says that people can absolutely be saved outside the CC–correct. Catholics even call us seperated brethren and that we can also be saved but we just dont take all opportunities that the CC offers. Soooo,

Missionaries are going out and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ so people around the world can hear the Good News
They are doing 1.) What God told us to do and 2)Imitating what the apostles did by going out and making disciples of all nations.

What is so wrong with that? I understand we have our differences but not in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ so these people all over the world can know and have eternal life if they accept the message.

If you know these missionaries and you know they have a heart for Christ and are spreading the message of Christ–then you should absolutely support them.

If I knew catholic missionaries and I knew their heart was for the Lord I would support them.

You cant just make this about evangelicals vs. catholics and who is right and who is wrong.We both believe in the birth death and resurrection of Christ and that He died to forgive us of our sins so we could spend eternity in heaven with Him—do we not? That is whata the gospel message of Christ is all about:thumbsup: It has to be about Jesus Christ and telling people about Him every chance you get.

PHEW! OK I hope that didnt sound nasty or harsh. That was not my intention. So please dont take it that way.

I guess this just struck a nerve–sorry.

I am working as a Catholic Missionary in Bolivia S.A. What you said kind of hit a nerve with me as well. Why do Catholics always have to be the ones to turn the other cheek? Bolivia is between 85 and 95 percent Catholic. So I feel as if you are using our belief against us (that the Catholic Church teaches that there is salvation outside the Catholic Church.)Some protestants dont believe the same of us or why would they be here in Bolivia, a Christian country for over 500 years(we can save the Spanish/conquistador discussion later). Why?When I meet Protestant missionaries and they ask me what church I am with, I tell them Catholic, they clam up and dont talk to me anymore.I want to tell them to take their anti Catholic bigotry and go back to the states, but then again, I have to turn the other cheek. Some hold a mock baptism in the plaza where the Cathedral is. They bath the children, they dont call it baptism, because they dont believe in infant baptism. I could go one. I havent met a lot mainlain protestant missinaries here. Mostly 7th Day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses, some baptists and a TON of Mormon Missionaries. I wish Catholics at home would wake up. We need more Lay Missionaries.

 

[leonie]

I confronted (gently, I hope) an acquaintance who was going on a Protestant mission trip to Poland. The church group would run sport camps and try to lead the polish teens to God. Then, they would connect them to area churches.

I asked her why they were going to a Catholic country. She said that they were reaching out to kids who had no faith. So, I asked if they referred the kids back to their Catholic parishes. She said no.

She was a little shocked that I brought it up.

I don’t give money to Protestant missions. I send my money to Catholic missions. I do really appreciate the missionary spirit of Protestant churches. I think we’ve lost that in our American Catholic church.

 

[ALLFORHIM]

.

I havent met a lot mainlain protestant missinaries here. Mostly 7th Day Adventists, Jehovah Witnesses, some baptists and a TON of Mormon Missionaries. I wish Catholics at home would wake up. We need more Lay Missionaries

Well then I can understand why you would be upset. Except for baptists–I would not consider any of those christian at all.
Baptists do have a rep for being anti-catholic.

 

[Seatuck]

Before donating to any group I check out their mission or belief statement. It isn’t acceptable to me to fund missionaries who are giving out false teaching and incomplete bibles along with the physical comforts of food, clothes, livestock wells etc. So I tend to limit most of my giving to Catholic groups with very few non Catholic groups of the christian variety. It isn’t enough to me to hope that a person influenced by a non catholic christian group will someday come home. There are more than enough Catholic groups out there working in the mission field.