Here, Peter has returned with word fresh from the mission field. He is seeing a people group engaged with the gospel for the first time and is giving a report to encourage and edify those from where he has been sent.
This gives me pause to how I look at partnerships. I have too-often thought about these as one-way partnerships where an established church supports a new work in financial terms and with prayer support and even by sending mission teams. Although this is true and vital, it is not complete.
As a Missionary, I get the privilege and opportunity to return word to supporters of the work that I get to be a part of…even better, get a front row seat to! I get to inspire and motivate senior adults that their giving and prayer support is as missional as my move. I get to tell pastoral staff that although they are unable to go out onto a mission field, that by leading their church to support our work they are doing just that. I get to see students eyes brighten as they dream of the reality that God could be calling them to a work that they didn’t think possible before they heard the update from the mission field where I serve.
As a Missionary, I get to go back home (or send word) and share the gospel results of the harvest that our partners so faithfully sow seed into. It is a big deal. As Peter’s group heard his report and said ‘Then to the gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life’, so my partners (and yours) get to say: ‘Then to the (fill in the blank with your people group) God has granted repentance that leads to life’.