I don't believe you have to be on foreign soil to be mission minded and mission focused. It ought to be a lifestyle. Over the past several years, I have heard several people say that they are not called to missions. Unfortunately, that statement is Biblically inaccurate. The truth is, you may not be called to full time missions, or you may not even be called to leave the country. However, each person that considers themselves a follower of Jesus is called to BOTH local and global missions.
Matthew 28:19 - Go and make disciples of all nations.
Acts 1:8 - You will be my witnesses..... to the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:47 - I have made you a light... that you would bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
Mark 16:15 - Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.
There are many different ways to accomplish this command without ever stepping foot on an airplane. Obviously the first is prayer. We can be praying for the salvation of souls, other needs such as alleviation of poverty, and for those who are currently serving overseas. Be careful though, I think many of us unintentionally use prayer as a quick pass to get out of the Biblical commands listed above. We say a quick "God save the world" and "God bless the missionaries" and consider it done. That is not the kind of prayer that serves the global mission call. In order to pray effectively, we have to know the understand the needs of the recipients of our prayers. We need to be informed.
This leads to another way we can serve the Great Commission: stay in contact with the missionaries in the field. Don't just read the newsletter they send, schedule Skype or FaceTime sessions, send emails. Ask what their needs and prayer requests are and then offer encouragement and pray accordingly.
A third way to serve is with our finances. Give generously to both local and global causes as the Lord leads.
Finally, serve as an advocate. Tell your family and friends about the needs of the local and global missions. Share the testimonies and success stories. Spread the word.
I think that I, along with everyone who takes a short-term mission trip, comes home with the intent to do all these things. As I learned after my first trip, it is easier said than done. Two little words explain why: life happens. We get back into the busyness of life and these things fall to back burner. Even when things are going well, life can suck the life out of you.
Additionally, we may sometimes find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or overloaded with all the different serving opportunities available to us. I myself struggle with wanting to do more than I am able and give more than I have. I often feel guilty for missing events or not being able to give to all the missionaries I know. I hate that I have no more vacation time left this year from my job and I cannot go on any more mission trips until next year. It is going to kill me when the team from North Way goes to Cambodia in July and I have to stay behind, though I will serve as a sender and cheerleader!
So how do I overcome this issue that seem to interfere with my desire to be missional all the time, everywhere? My mentor said it best. She said: "it all comes down to obedience". Are we doing all that God has asked of us personally - and nothing more, nothing less?
This of course means that we have to continually be in communication with the Lord, asking Him what He would have us do and how to prioritize our lives. His answer may not always be easy or even what we want to hear.
However, I think that we may have painted the term "obedience" in a distorted light. What comes to mind when you hear the word "obedience"? Do you picture a boss giving orders that must be carried out regardless of how the subject feels about them? Do you picture a stern parent demanding action and respect from a child?
During my trip, I have come to see obedience differently. Imagine if you will, a couple dancing a slow dance to an intimate, romantic song. In the dance, one person leads out and the other follows in his footsteps. If one is leading and the other following, the moves become natural and they are free to gaze in each other's eyes and simply enjoy their relationship and enjoy the dance. This is what obedience to the Lord truly looks like. It's natural, beautiful, and enjoyable. Perhaps not easy, but wholly worth it.
During my time overseas, the Lord took me on such a sweet adventure and lavish gifts on me unlike anything I could have imagined. Because I know His heart for me, I have a feeling He does this often, right here at home, but I am too busy to see it. For me to remain missional, all I must do is keep my gaze on His face, keep in step with His leading, and enjoy the dance. If I do that, I won't be wishing for a different dance. I know that my Creator masterfully crafted this dance exclusively for me.
