Guarding The Baggage

Dear Church Family,

Greetings from Malaysia! I am writing to you alongside our dear friends and global partners who are working here. Because of local context, I cannot share their names or specific details, but they love our church and are deeply thankful for our care. I look forward to coming back to NYC and sharing more about their lives and work in person.

During my time here, God has continually brought to mind a key biblical principle our team

discussed during our trip to Serbia, found in 1 Samuel 30:21–25.

In this passage, David and his men were pursuing the Amalekites, but 200 of his soldiers were too exhausted to continue. David instructed them to stay behind and guard the baggage. When David returned victorious, some "wicked and worthless" men argued that those who stayed behind shouldn't share in the spoils of war. But David’s response was profound: "The share of the man who went down to the battle shall be the same as the share of the man who stayed by the baggage. They shall share alike."

David recognized a crucial truth: those guarding the supplies were just as vital to the victory as those fighting on the front lines.

Our partners here in Malaysia are on the front line of the spiritual battlefield. But they cannot stand in that battle unless we are standing behind them. In God’s design, if the church at home fails to guard the baggage, the battle on the field is lost. There are no secondary roles in God's Kingdom. No part is greater than another, and no part can be left out.

So, what does it mean for us to "guard the baggage"?

Our Prayers: This visit confirmed how deeply isolated workers can feel. Knowing that our church actively remembers and prays for them brings more strength than words can express.

Our Words: Simple letters, emails, and notes of encouragement remind them they are not fighting alone.

Our Giving: Our faithful financial gifts meet practical needs so they can stay focused on the work God has called them to do.

I want to encourage every person in our church to embrace your specific role. When any one of us steps back, a hole is left in the supply line. Whether God has given you the resources to give, the promptings to pray, or the willingness to write a letter, join a short-term team, or serve in our home church—your part matters. It may feel small or unnoticeable, but as King David emphasized, we share equally in the ministry and its fruit.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and partnership. I look forward to sharing more during our

upcoming Missions Month about what God is doing through our shared work in "guarding the

baggage."

In Christ,

Pastor Rick