What if the most powerful way your church could engage in global mission didn’t require a passport or a plane ticket? For Maffra Community Church in Victoria, the answer has always been prayer. 

Since 1993, Maffra Community Church has partnered with SIM to raise and send members to serve across cultures. Today, this church has sent members to serve across West, East and Central Africa.  Their pastor for the past five years, Steve Messer, has had the privilege of joining a church that has been deeply committed to global mission since its beginning thirty years ago. Since then, they have had the joy of faithfully lifting up their workers and witnessing God’s hand at work around the world. 

Prayer is woven into the life of their church.  For Steve, prayer is more than a spiritual discipline - it’s a privilege: 

“It’s a blessing to know that our church has captured the vision of the Gospel - that our God has a heart for the nations. With some of SIM’s mission workers serving in difficult places, it has been an honour to serve them by praying for them. Their faithfulness and dedication to make Jesus known is inspiring for many in our church.” 

How Can My Church Get Involved in Mission? 

One of the most impactful ways your church can engage in global mission is through prayer. Here are a few ways to begin: 

- Include mission-focused prayer in Sunday services and prayer meetings. 

- Form prayer groups dedicated to specific regions or workers. 

- Organise events that highlight global mission and encourage intercession. 

- Subscribe to regular updates from mission workers to pray more specifically. 

SIM provides tools and resources to help churches grow in prayerful mission engagement. 

A Faithful Church Community That Partners Through Prayer 

“We thank God for the opportunity to support our SIM mission workers like David & Taryn, Simon & Rose*, and Luke & Laura. As they share their experiences with the church, we witness God answering our prayers. Our partnership provides such a different perspective of God’s power and might and reinforces the importance of prayer.” 
— Glenys, Member of Maffra Community Church & Board Member of SIM’s For Freedom Network 

PRAY 

Want to pray more intentionally for mission workers? Visit sim.org.au/pray for daily prayer points and guides. 

GO 

Looking for ways to equip your church to pray and care for mission workers? Explore tools and resources at sim.org.au/churches. 

VISIT

To find out more about the ministry of Maffra Community Church, visit their website at maffracommunitychurch.com.