WHOLESOME MINISTRY OF MISSIONARIES

Christian missionaries adopted a threefold approach to the ministry as part of their commitment to preach the gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ. It is a WHOLESOME MINISTRY OF MISSIONARIES. This threefold approach, or alternatively, the three dimensional approach is wholly based upon our LORD Jesus’ approach to ministry. This we see in the way our LORD Himself had preached the good news about the kingdom of God, based, filled and led by compassion for the lost.

The approach of the Christian missionaries towards mission work, was to establish Churches, Schools and Hospitals, backed by a life that reflected the LORD Jesus, and led by deep, true and committed compassion for the lost. This threefold approach was intended to touch and transform the Soul, the Mind, and the Body. Each of three dimensions make a human being. These three dimensions have their own needs. Unless we meet the needs on these three levels, we will not have a wholesome person. The LORD implemented this approach, and the Christian missionaries wholeheartedly followed it.

1- SOUL – SPIRITUALITY
The soul of the person is the centre piece in this whole approach. Here is where the problem is, and therefore, here is where we have to apply the remedy, that the gospel of the LORD Jesus offers us.
– “26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Matthew 16:26
– “28 Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
– “23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

2- MIND – EDUCATION
The second dimension which helps the newly “born-again” Christian is the education made accessible through schools. This enlightens the person, by exposing him to the knowledge, which hitherto was intentionally made unavailable to vast masses of people. This tool would not only help the Christian spiritually, but also alleviate them intellectually, economically and socially. This is true empowerment of the poor, the needy, the downtrodden, and the outcasts. 
– “16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” – Proverbs 16:16
– “15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” – Proverbs 18:15
– “8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

3- BODY – HEALTHCARE
Health of an individual is an integral part of wholesome human development and growth. What is the point in having a bright mind in a weak body? As Christian Missionaries recognised this need, which Jesus made it very clear through His healing ministry, they began to implement it with utmost earnestness. They opened hospitals to help the sick, and established medical schools to prepare the people to take up this responsibility.
– “14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
– “36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
– “14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” – James 5:14-15

May the LORD help us to see this threefold wholesome approach of the LORD Jesus Christ, which the Christian missionaries have very ably implemented. We ought to continue this ministry, which the LORD had entrusted to us, as His disciples, with same the attitude and approach. For this is not only a time tested model for Christian ministry, but more importantly the one which our LORD Himself had initiated and implemented. The LORD, moved with compassion for the lost, employed threefold approach to His earthly ministry. The Christian missionaries, moved with the same compassion, employed a wholesome approach to Christian ministry. Even so, the LORD help us.