This past Tuesday, I came to the conclusion that I am not a missionary. I've never been on a missions trip, I've never attempted to go on a missions trip, I've never tried to witness to someone. Do I want to be a missionary? Of course! Not only am I called to be a missionary, but I truly want to be a missionary. Now let me clarify... when I say "missionary" I don't necessarily mean someone who travels to another country. While that is one definition of a missionary, to me it is someone who travels outside their front door. I don't feel God calling me to go to another country right now, but I'm not saying I won't happen in the future. I always want to be available to God if he wants me to go somewhere. But I heard a story once that someone came to America from another country and was asked why he came. His response: "I am here to share the gospel. America is my mission field." It made me think... Why leave America when we have a mission field once we leave out door?!
So I made a decision. I decided that I am going to go to downtown Lynchburg, Virginia just to talk to people. I'm not exactly sure what about, but I'm just going to talk and share with them. But today is Sunday, and I didn't go yesterday. Why? A couple reasons... After talking to friends and getting any ideas, I really had no clue what to do. I didn't have a plan. And you all know the famous quote: "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." When I do this, not if, I want to be prepared, I want to be ready. Being a college student, it is like taking a test, and not studying. I need to be prepared, I need to put on the full armor of God. It's going to be tough. I don't really know what to expect, but I'm going into this with a willing heart. I know the Lord will protect me, guide me, and use me. Again, I don't know how but it's not really my job to know what or who i'm affecting. I want to be like Isaiah. "Here am I! Send me!"
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
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Geren,
ReplyDeleteI liked this post. All Christians are called to witness, which is what you're wanting to do in downtown Lynchburg. You may find that you have a special gifting for sharing your faith, however, and that is the work of an evangelist (see Eph. 4:12-13). Still others are called to take the Gospel across a cultural and/or language barrier. These are missionaries (Acts 13:1-3), like Paul and Barnabas.
Hope this makes sense! Keep up the good work.
- Greg Crofford (Kenya)
Thanks Greg! And yes that makes sense! I just feel that I've never really witnessed before and I don't need to keep giving myself the excuse that i'm not a missionary so I don't have to really witness unless someone asks me about it. But obviously that is totally wrong. But i'm doing my best to let my witnessing coincide with my actions. Witnessing doesn't always mean using words. "Faith without works is dead..." (James 2:17) Thanks for the help and for the comment! It's fun when people respond! I hope everything is going well over in Kenya! I've been praying for rain and for the faith of the believers and unbelievers! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteGeren