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Holding the Ropes

Ropes//Being Part of a Team

Being part of a team—having a base of support—is invaluable to any endeavor. No one can be successful in this life as a lone ranger. We need each other and the support that comes from strong relationships.

William Carey of England knew the value of strong relationships. He knew the importance of having friends who would support him in his endeavors.

Carey was ordained in August 1786. During a ministers meeting that year, He suggested that Jesus’ command to His disciples “to teach all nations” was still in effect. Mr. Ryland, the meeting chairman, rebuked him and accused him of being an enthusiast!

Carey was greatly embarrassed. His fellow ministers treated his ideas as impractical. But that same year he met Thomas Potts, who had been to America and seen the need for missionary work. Potts supported Carey in his vision.

In time, God brought other people across Carey’s path who encouraged and helped him. As a direct consequence of Carey’s work, the first Evangelical missions agency was created in 1792.

One day in 1793, Carey and some friends were discussing the need for foreign missions. Andrew Fuller, a fellow minister who was at that gathering, recalled, “We saw there was a gold mine in India, but it was as deep as the center of the earth.” Fuller asked who would venture to explore that mine. Carey spoke up and addressed his friends: “I will venture to go down, but remember that you must hold the ropes.”

By “holding the ropes,” Carey meant consistently praying for him, financially supporting him, and regularly communicating on his behalf with the churches in England. His friends agreed.

Carey went to India and made possible the translation of the Bible into numerous languages. Many have called him the father of modern missions. But Carey knew he was only able to accomplish what he did because his partners back in England were “holding the ropes.”


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Rhema Word Partners, thank you for “holding the ropes” for us as we reach people and nations around the world. Every day, the lost are saved, the sick are healed, and those in despair find peace and joy in Jesus. And you’re a part of that! Together, we are making a difference.

If you’re not a Rhema Word Partner but would like to help change and save lives, grab hold of the ropes! Join with us and start making a difference today.

Become a Rhema Word Partner today!
www.rhema.org/wpc
Be an essential piece and make a difference today! 1-800-54-FAITH (543-2484) | PartnerService@rhema.org