Being a parachurch missionary who is having to raise funds in two arenas can create a rather precarious position.
Parachurch missionaries are defined as those who conform to the general qualifications and policies stipulated for Career Missionaries, but whose services are not directly with the denomination. The Church of God recognizes that some of its members would like to work for parachurch mission groups (e.g. Wycliffe Bible Translators, Youth With A Mission, and so forth), but would still like to maintain an identity with the Church of God for their church friends who support them to receive missions credit. They must juggle their activities between various venues in order to accomplish their calling to serve on the mission field.
Joe and Christina Byrum are parachurch missionaries in Europe. The couple recently itinerated in West Virginia to raise funds. A side blessing was they led three people to a saving faith in Jesus during a three-day revival, and also enjoyed a chapel service at the Christian school located there. It brings great joy to their hearts that God brought these individuals into His Kingdom.
Unfortunately, a few appointments were canceled due to a tragedy that occurred at the beginning of their visit, and left their hearts heavy for the people. However, an additional wonderful blessing was a local church pledged $300 a month to their support!
Joe’s wife, Christina, gave birth to a son, Hiro, on July 10, 2015. Their daughter, Salom, age 5, also has her birthday in July. Christina has finished her Master’s degree in intercultural studies, and Joe passed his bishop exam earlier in the year, granting him the highest rank he can obtain as a minister. He, too, holds a Master’s degree.
A parachurch missionary has unusual circumstances, but those situations bring complete satisfaction, despite the peculiarities involved.
(Source: Church of God World Missions. By Janet Price)