Around the globe today, over 151, 000 people
will die with little knowledge of how Jesus could have transformed their lives.
That is about forty percent, which is a haunting fact.
“You are the world’s light—it is
impossible to hide a town built on the top of a hill. Men do not light a lamp
and put it under a bucket. They put it on a lamp-stand and it gives light for
everybody in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15, PHILLIPS)If Christians believe the above scripture is true, why are so many of us making excuses to spread the light of Jesus throughout the world?
“Father, it’s been a long time. We’ve prayed for years for engineers,
technicians, and radio and TV program producers. We praise You for the
wonderful staff of Haitians You have given Radio Lumie’re over the years. We
also pray that You will send talented missionaries and volunteers to assist and
train them. Amen.” (Paul Shingledecker, retired missionary from Haiti)
The Heavenly Father is involved in so many
worthwhile ministries around the world that glorify Him. Why are you waiting to
become part of all that? If you feel God is calling you to be a missionary, and
the thought of that makes you apprehensive and afraid, realize that is human.
Realize the Almighty always provides where He leads. Your service in the
mission field can be in a short-term or a long-term capacity.
“Lord, grant us Your favor as we share the good news with precious
Native American people. We pray You will raise up more laborers to share in
this work, people who will serve as Jesus served and love as Jesus loved. Help
us to walk through your open doors! Amen.” (Steve Cartwright,
American Indian Missionary)
· Short-term Service – Whether
your availability is limited (or you feel God is not calling you for a long
period of service), commitments can vary in length from weeks, month, or a
year. There are volunteer opportunities for individuals, couples, or families.
It is possible to invest in a vital, first-hand missions experience for a short
amount of time to see if this is a calling the Almighty has for you.
“Dear God, in Japan (a place where Christians
are so few) please help us support our brothers and sisters here. Please send
us vision, imagination, energy, and workers for the possibilities You are
opening here. Please help us to be present for Your church in Japan. Amen.”
(Zach Motts, Missionary to Japan)
· Long-term Service – Does the Almighty
want you to explore a career in missions? You might consider the Missionary
Discipleship Program, which consists of two years of service, and focuses on
discipleship training. [i] You will have a team
that will prepare you to serve as a family, couple, or individual.[ii]
“Lord, in the midst of Uganda’s boundless
beauty lie her broken, wounded people. We pray that You will call more workers
to join us here, sharing your light, Your love, and your peace with those who
need to hear. Amen.” (Jeff Stanfield, Missionary to Uganda)
“I spent twenty years of my life trying to recruit people out of
local churches and into missions structures so that they could be involved in
fulfilling God's global mission. Now I have another idea. Let's take God's
global mission and put it right in the middle of the local church.” (George H. Miley) 
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