In 1793, as men gathered to discuss William Carey’s pursuit of ministry in India, one asked, “There is a goldmine in India; but it seems as deep as the centre of the earth, who will venture to explore it?” William Carey responded by saying, “I will go down if you will hold the rope.”
William Carey understood that he could not go in alone. He knew that he was going to be Christ’s light in a dark place and he needed those who would support him and be advocates for him through prayer by keeping hold of the ropes. This was how others could be a part of Christ’s light shining into the darkness.
At Emanate training, we’re devoted to prayer. Throughout the week we have prayer chapels in which students and staff get together to pray for those in training and those in ministry overseas. We consider it an honor to be part of holding the ropes for our co-workers in Christ as they are faced with the brutal realities and challenges that come along with working in a different culture.
Many times it is easy to forget the power of prayer, but William Carey remembered well when he asked those around him to hold the ropes for him as he went forth to spread the gospel. He understood and believed that God still works in great ways through prayer and that He desires for us to communicate with Him. The Lord is pleased when we come to Him in prayer, depending on Him for not only our own lives, but also for the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
You can be a part of holding the ropes for others too. Take some time to pray for the missionaries that you know now. Who are you holding the ropes for today?
Sources: http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/bcarey9.html
http://www.baptistworldmission.org/get-involved/pray/1000-holding-the-ropes.html