Being in the Way

Divine Encounters on Deputation
by Shane Tasker

This past year has shown us how the Lord miraculously joins together partnerships of missionary and church families, how He provides in His perfect timing—making ways when there seem to be none, and how God continually leads and guides us as we desire first to seek His kingdom and righteousness.

As the servant of Abraham said in Genesis 24:27, I being in the way, the Lord led me. This statement has become very real in seeing the Lord’s leading hand as we have journeyed on deputation. Not only is He the great supplier of all needs but God has shown us that He provides ample opportunities along the way as well.

The Laundromat
One thing that perpetually being on the road brings is laundry—a lot of it. Being in Indiana after a meeting, we had headed to the laundromat and started the laundry. While waiting, we saw a claw machine tucked in the corner of the shop. I am now more convinced than ever that these machines are rigged. After I twice suffered defeat, a young girl came over and gave us the toy she had won shortly before we walked in. This small kind act of selflessness from a two-year-old would soon have all heaven rejoicing! Her father joined her and started talking with us. Very soon an opportunity to share the Gospel with him came about. As we sat together, we opened the Bible and shared the Gospel. Jaiden trusted Christ as his Savior!

The Flat Tire
One evening after a service in North Carolina, we saw three young adults “attempting” to change a tire. We stopped to offer help but they declined. After driving only a few feet, we opted to turn back and help them anyway.

As Shane helped the two young men change the tire, Emily got to know the young lady and we found out they were not from the church. After the tire was changed, Shane shared the Gospel with the group, all of whom said they had already trusted Christ as Savior but were distant from the Lord. We encouraged them and prayed before parting ways. Some weeks later Emily received a Facebook message from the young lady. She was searching for someone to pray for her and encourage her as she wanted to repair her relationship with Christ and she remembered Emily’s name. Since then, they have spoken every couple of weeks. She has returned to church and has begun a daily walk with Christ for the first time! This has opened a door to disciple the young lady.

The Late Night
Preparing to board a red-eye flight from California to Pennsylvania, Shane bumped into a group of Mormon teens about to embark on their mission program. They were ecstatic to meet a “full-time real missionary” as they called us! After we spent some time getting to know them, Shane started sharing the Gospel. Two in the group were very focused and asked questions. The others explained a bit about their belief and Shane was able to share how many of those “beliefs” are not biblical. We are praying the seeds planted will be watered in the future (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

God continually reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to share His great love with others! Do not be intimidated by differences. God saves from all walks of life and uses us to spread His Word! The Bible states in Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

As missionaries on deputation, we have a burning desire to get to the field. We can get so focused on building relationships and making connections (which are all important) that a sense of living past the “now” for the “then” develops. What is easily forgotten is that the field that is white already to harvest does not have borders. Its only confines are the number of laborers in that harvest.

As Emily and I prepare to minister in the Congo for which God has given us a burden, I am, however, reminded that God has called us to a work. It is my desire that we being in the way the Lord will continue to lead us as we labor in His Harvest, rejoicing in Him bringing forth the increase.

Next Article