Together in the Mission: Learning from Moses, Aaron, and Hur

In Exodus 17, the people of Israel are in battle against the Amalekites. While Joshua leads the army in the valley, Moses stands on a hill overlooking the fight, holding the staff of God in his hands. As long as his hands are raised, Israel prevails. But when his arms grow tired and begin to fall, the enemy gains ground.

So Aaron and Hur come alongside him. They find a stone for Moses to sit on, and then each of them takes a side, holding up his hands steady until the sun sets. Because of their support, the Israelites win the battle.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:10-12

It’s a powerful image of partnership. Moses wasn’t meant to stand alone. Even in his calling and leadership, he needed others beside him. Aaron and Hur didn’t replace him, but they played an essential role in helping him endure and complete the work God had asked him to do.

God’s Mission Has Always Been Shared

This story reminds us that God’s mission has never been a solo effort. Every victory in Scripture, and in life, comes through the body of Christ working together in obedience to bring glory to God. Some lead, some strengthen, and some intercede. But what we know to be true is that every role matters.

We all have a part to play in the mission of God. Some are called to take charge, standing on the hill or in the valley. Others are called to come alongside, to steady the hands that are growing weary, and to help carry the mission forward.

We need to be lifted up by others. And when we are, we see God’s power at work.

Leaders in Indonesia building trust to share the hope of Christ.

Mission ONE’s Role: The Aaron Beside the Leader

At Mission ONE, we see ourselves in this story.

Our local partners and missionaries are the ones leading the charge. They are standing in faith, serving their communities, and bringing the hope of Christ to places where darkness has long existed. They are the ones discipling new believers, planting churches, and building ministries that meet both physical and spiritual needs. They are tangibly transforming communities on the ground with the hope of the gospel.

Our role, and what our mission has been since we began in 1991, is to come alongside them and hold up their arms.

We do this because we believe they know their communities the best. They have the ability to bring the gospel to those they’re serving in a way that we can’t. They know the culture, they know the language, and they know the barriers to freedom in Christ. We want to help them do what they’re already doing, but ensure it’s for the long-term and the ministry continues beyond generations.

This has many forms. One is providing training and encouragement so they can continue to be empowered to build the local church on the foundation of God’s Word. Sometimes this means partnering together to start a project or small business that helps them transform the communities they’re serving from the inside out. This can also look like meeting a pressing need in the community to bring both dignity and holistic healing. This also allows space for building relationships for the purpose of sharing the gospel and planting churches where none existed before.

Local leaders in Pokot, Kenya being trained in God’s Word.

In everything we do, we want to come alongside their vision for Kingdom transformation in the communities they’re serving. As our partners navigate the difficulties of serving on the frontlines, we strive to be an anchor that helps them stand firm and continue the work God has called them to.

It’s not about us stepping in to take over. It’s about standing beside them, supporting their vision, and watching God multiply impact together.

You Are Part of This Story

When you pray for our partners, when you give, or when you tell others about what God is doing through Mission ONE, you become part of this same story. You’re helping to lift up the hands of leaders who might otherwise grow weary. You’re helping the work of the Gospel continue in places where it’s needed most.

There’s beauty in being an Aaron. You may not stand on the hilltop yourself, but your faithfulness keeps the mission going. God uses your prayers and generosity to bring hope and transformation around the world.

As We End This Year, Join Us in Holding Up Their Arms

As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, we invite you to reflect on the role you play in God’s mission. Maybe you’re called to go. Maybe you’re called to lead. Or maybe God is calling you to come alongside and hold up the arms of those serving on the frontlines.

When you give to Mission ONE, you’re not just supporting a project. You’re strengthening the people God has called to bring Kingdom transformation in their communities. You’re standing beside them in faith, helping them endure, helping them flourish, and helping the mission continue.

Give today to strengthen and sustain our partners as they serve faithfully on the frontlines.

Together, we can see God’s victory unfold, one act of obedience at a time.