Why Missions?

Why Missions? This is a great question to think about? In fact, what does that question really mean anyway? Does it imply that one must "go" somewhere? Does it mean one cannot be mssion minded without serving on a foreign field somewhere?

Why Missions? Well, for me anyway, it is a choice. A choice to take my faith, my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my understanding of scripture to another level. What do I mean?

Jesus tells us, well commands us, in His last words before ascending into heaven to "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." Matthew 28:19-20

So, why missions? Simply because I love God and want to do what He has asked me to do. I will be honest when I say that it is a awesome responsibility. With that, I am the one blessed by this task. I find true joy when speaking with those outside of Christ (non-believers). I find myself falling deeper in love with my Savior as I speak His love to others, show His love through actions and helping hands, or simply sitting and sharing my testimony with others and how God has brought me through tough and dark roads in my life and how He will and can do the same for them.

Over the years, as I have served both in full time Youth Ministry as well as full time Missions, both here at home as well as in other countries, I find myself with the same joy! To see others and even be a part of their coming to an understanding of the love that Christ has for them is by far the greatest blessing! To witness firsthand the blessing of God as hundreds of people over my years serving in this capacity, come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, to undertand His love even in a minor way in the beginning of their transformation is the reason I do what I do. My God is real, my God is loving, my God is good! What a blessing to be able to share all about Him!

Missions is a call to something so much bigger than myself. In fact, it takes "ME" out of the picture, or at least it should. It glorifies Christ! As I serve, I want others to see Him, not me. Sure I am the tangable one they see at first. To others its my voice they hear, my hands that help, my heart they witness in the flesh, but, as they learn more about Christ, I fade away and they see Jesus.

Missions is a large concept. Many think you have to go and serve in some far away land. Because of this thought, many never serve in missions. I want to say this is the farthest from the truth! Missions is all around us. You can find it next door, down the street and even right in your home. Yes, missions is as close as your living room.

Yes, God's Word tells us to "go, " and it also tells us to go into all nations. This means, very simply, your house, your family, your neighbor, your city, your state, the USA, and yes, other countries. So, where is your mission field? What is your mission? How are you serving to be a blessing to others? How is God blessing you becasue of your faithfulness? Some will go to other countries and for some the mission field is right here at home. Both are equally important!

I have, we have (Cathy and I) the honor of being able to serve others both at home and in other countries on a daily basis. We get to see firsthand and be part of major life changes. We have the blessing, because of others who support us financially, to go abroad and preach and teach the good news of Christ and His love. We get the opportunity to show the love of Christ by helping those in desperate need. We get to help clothe, feed, and bring care to those who cannot help themselves. We get to sit and pray with the sick, the lonely, the outcast. We get to love on the widow and orphan and meet needs. We get to be the first to share Christ with so many and see their lives changed for eternity on so many occasions.

Why Missions? Becasue it ROCKS!

If you are not involved in missions, I would encourage you to try it. Move yourself out of the way, get uncomforatble, and watch what God will do through you. I believe you will find, be it in your backyard or across the waters, the biggest and most rewarding blessing you can and ever will be part of! Try it, let me know how it goes! Together we can make even more disciples for His Kingdom!

Blessing and Prayers as you serve!