The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about receiving counsel. In Proverbs 11:14, the Bible says “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.” In Proverbs 15:22, the Bible says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.” Proverbs 24:6 says “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Godly counsel is important. It can save a man from a lot of heartache, it can guide a man into a prosperous life. Counsel (or advice) is what this series is all about.

Today’s advice comes from a man of God who has seen people hurt. As we sat together before the church service, he told me, “A servant of the Lord must be gentle”. There is no room for harshness or cruelty for a pastor or missionary. People have been hurt by men who lead by a “It is my way or the highway” mentality. He proceeded to advise me, “Be gentle, lead with love and compassion. People are hurting and they need a man of God who will show them love. Many times, young men over compensate for their youth and can be harsh in an attempt to come across as strong, but he only ends up hurting people.”

This does not mean that Scripture is bypassed or watered down in an attempt to make people feel good. That was not the counsel given. Teach the Bible. Preach the Bible. Proclaim what it says. It is the Word of God. Even so, we can proclaim the truths of the Word of God with compassion and in love.

There are a few different passages about pastoral authority. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 are both passages on this subject. 1 Peter 1-3 also is addresses this subject, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.” As men of God, we must lead, but lead as examples to the flock.

I look forward to getting to Argentina, to finishing up language school, to starting churches, and to training men. These things are exciting to think about. This is what God has called us to do. God also desires me to be a man of God that is gentle. A servant of the Lord must be gentle. Here is some advice, be gentle.

This series on the advice I have been given has been a blessing to me. I have heard from others who have enjoyed it as well. Today’s installment of this blog series is on the subject of communication. I was with a Pastor who I have known for some years. He has been a real friend and encouragement to me over the years. I was given the opportunity to share our hearts about missions, Argentina, what God has called us to do and to preach. We sat at the dinner table of a restaurant a few miles from the church. Church had ended. My family and Pastor’s family talked about life and ministry. Pastor told me about how he leads the church. He believes it is a very good thing to be open. He believes that people want to know what is going on so it is important to communicate. Don’t keep things hushed up, get the church people involved. Here is some advice, communicate.

Obviously this does not stretch into the realm of counseling. Some things are spoken in private counseling sessions and confidentiality should be upheld. That is not at all what Pastor was talking about. Pastor was speaking mostly about the future of the church, about the desires and goals God has put on his heart for the church. People want to be involved, people want to know.

How does this apply to me as a missionary? I think it applies in a few ways. We will be starting churches, it is important for people that are saved and become a part of those churches to know what is going on. They should know that, as a missionary, I am training men who will advance the Gospel. They should know that they are a part of the church and are included in building the church. It also applies to me as a missionary with our supporting churches. I think it is important for supporting churches to know what is going on in our ministry. I strive to communicate. I remember when I was an Assistant Pastor at my home church. At one time we supported a few missionaries who rarely ever communicated with us. We would only get a few prayer letters a year. With technology like it is today, I can send (and do send) emails and letters on a regular basis. Why not communicate? People want to know what is going on. People who invest in a man’s ministry desire to know the state of affairs in that ministry. Churches like to know that they are investing in eternity around the world and that God is at work. It is a blessing to me to see that our missionaries we support at our home church are reaching out, starting churches, and training men.

Here is some advice, communicate. Let people know how God is working in your heart.

Merry Christmas!

This year has gone by so quickly! We have seen God move. At the beginning of the year we were only around 25% of our needed funds. Now we are closing in on 75%. God has provided for us and guided us. It is amazing to see as we look back through these past 11 months.

We have another full schedule this month with meetings in churches each Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. Thank you for your continued prayers. We still have just over 25% to raise before we leave to go to Argentina. Please help us reach what we need by praying and considering partnering with us if you have not yet done so. We are thankful for every church we have been in. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us!

Our family would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. We pray that God will be glorified in all our efforts to make Him known this Christmas season!

Serving Together,

Patrick, Leslie, Lily, Piper, and Ivy Henry

In Argentina

A new president was elected in Argentina in November. This new president is more conservative and is promising great change. Mauricio Macri won the run-off for president in Argentina and is being publicized by some as the “beginning a new era for the country, and perhaps for South America as a whole.” Marci will take office on December 10, 2015 and many estimate that changes will be felt very quickly. This new president is the antithesis of what has dominated the presidency for the last 12 years. That being said, the great need in Argentina is not political. The Gospel is what will change lives for the better. Pray for Argentina and for President Macri.

Click here for a printable version of this month’s letter.

I am continuing our series on the different advice I get from men of God while on deputation. It is invaluable to be under the influence of these men even if only for a short period of time. The subject of this post is a bit different. I was in a church in South Florida. I had just met the Pastor. Church wouldn’t start for another 45 minutes. I walked outside with Pastor. He was talking to me about the service and about the way they handle their missions. He told me that if they partner with us that he and his staff would commit to pray for us weekly. Pastor goes up to the church every Saturday night and prays for every missionary by name. This is something he takes very seriously. In speaking about all this Pastor suddenly stopped and turned to me. He then said, “Pray for me. If we partner with you, I expect you to pray for me weekly as well. Pray for me, my wife, and the church that we will continue in serving the Lord…” Please don’t misunderstand, Pastor was not asking me to pray for a specific situation, but to pray for him, his wife, and the church on a continual basis.

Prayer is something that we should take very seriously. It is not just something we do in the morning, the evening, and before meals. We have the ability to speak with the Eternal God in the name of Jesus. We should pray for each other.

Jesus said in John 15:7, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Abiding in Jesus gives us power in prayer. We can go to God for each other. We should go to God in prayer for each other!

The Pastor didn’t tell me he took prayer seriously, he didn’t have to. He proved that he took prayer very seriously. “Pray for me.” is such a humble request. It is to recognize that you are incapable and that the Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, is willing and able to work in you and through you. Here is some advice, take prayer very seriously. Please pray for me often.