Relating Perception of Risk to Missions

In the book titled "RISK" by Deborah Lupton:

"Research has shown, for example, that members of social groups that are less powerful tent to be more concerned about risks than members of powerful social groups. Women compare with men, and non-whites compared with whites tend in quantitative surveys to rate their concern about specific risks more highly. "

I think that was very true statement. A powerful social group means a social group that has link to social capitals, where people in this group can access to the collective assets, funds foundation, emotional support, connection to others etc. A powerful social groups results in a sense of secure. When a person is secure, he or she is more ready to rest and relax.

Relating Perception of Risk to Experiences
The same concept applied to our daily experiences. For example, when I know I will have enough money in the bank account to pay for the coming month expenses, I would be far more relax and ensured, and being a state of ready to take risk. But when I am uncertain where the money would come from to pay for the coming month expenses, I developed anxiety, and I would be calculating the risks. On the other hand, when I know my church is behind me in every decision I would make; and they will never fail to pray for me in every situation I'm in, I feel more secure and I'm more ready to take risk. A loving and supporting church will help to produce confidence and loving individuals being as missionaries or tentmakers in the light of the Lord.

Instructions for Service...
However, the sense of risks is altered by situations. The perception of risk for taking a step of faith in the life of Christians as an obedient act to the Lord is different all across the Christians. Some would hold an extreme optimistic view that "When the Lord is with me, who shall be against me?" So, when they were called for a task, they'll go without a serious measurement in their ability because there is a principle in their belief system that "we can do all things through Him".

For example, when the Lord call his disciple to go to the nation, he said, "Do nor acquired gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support" Matthew10:9-10. How would people respond? (A) Go, with only an air ticket and no money in the pocket. (B) Go, with an air ticket and cash for a month. (C) Go, but give me time to prepare, to save money for the ministry. (D) Hah, God must be kidding! He is a humorous God, isn't He?

Who sent more missionaries?
The perceptions of risk to this task varies based on the relationship of one with the Lord, the upbringing of a person, as well as the social capital(social support, collective assets that one can access through the groups etc.) that one has. Baptist would send more missionaries compare to other denominations because of their strong social capitals. The same goes with Jehovah witnesses and Mormons.

Meeting no ends.....
We can start off in faith, but then when in practical we meet no end, we become desperate. For a Christian, we pray fervently for our situation. Asking for the Lord to have mercy on us, to deliver us from the crisis, and often when we do that as if God had turned His eyes away from us. An investor begins to develop anxieties, visiting from bank to bank, trying to resolve the crisis in his investment. When this happens, our psychology state in perceive the risks begin to raise to another level. The risks had not changed. From beginning to the end the risk is the same. But then, our perception of risks changed.

Desperato...
Most missionaries struggle to maintain their financial support, and they are no different. Since 1992, they have shared their mission story in more than 100 ...(www.dominicanepiscopalchurch.org/ DrWEBenglish/snowmision/our_story.htm ) Of course, there are many more stories, even the great Father of Missions had his stories of faith.

Men v.s. God
Why are the missionaries worried? A good missionary should not have worries. Our provision is from God and not from man. Then, why do they worry? Is it because they do not trust God?

God provides. Man plays a part too. The book of James has a good teaching in this. In fact, Jesus mentioned about the duties of man be it the believed or non-believed in the four Gospels.

Would a fact that when the church back home cares much about their missionaries in their livinghood and also missions needs, helps to ease the worries of their missionaries?

Duties of the church......
In the biblical sense, God will provides, through men or through miracles. But then God do keep record of the deeds of His own people. The judgment begins in the house of God.

Church, "devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well..."Colossians4:2,3a "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now" Phi1:3-6.