Why missions?
Why other countries?
Why ME??
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:14 (NIV)
I haven’t always lived according to His will. I haven’t always lived a pure life. I haven’t always been a good steward of what God has given me. I have gone against my parents word. I have turned my back on my friends. I have craved acceptance from people more than God. But, canIgetanAMEN that our past does not define us.
One of our most recent series in our college and young adult ministry, Elevation, talked about “Christian Atheists” aka lukewarm Christians. “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:16 (NLT). I soon realized this is what I had been living. Still living for the world but active in the church as well.
“How we live reflects the true reality of what we believe” -Elevation Pastor, Amir
So, when I had this stirring in my heart after my first mission trip to the inner city of Nashville I did not know what to do with it (hey, I was only in 7th grade.) I went on another trip to the inner city of Denver and worked with Dry Bones ministry. This trip wrecked my world. I met some of the most real people who were not ashamed of anything they had done and were so open to telling us about their trials all because..why? SOULS. The people we were around did not have anything to their name, yet they were the most happy and joyful group I had ever been around. This made me believe there is something more out there for me.
This past year I got to go to Chicago, Haiti, and China. During this time I knew God was calling me to the mission field, but I put up a fight to embrace it. (sidenote: if you try and fight the One who created you, you will lose)
I started to BUT, GOD I like to be around my family BUT, GOD I like my comfortable bed BUT, GOD I love being with my friends BUT, GOD I am a picky eater and really don’t like to travel BUT, GOD I am not very good with change BUT, GOD I like the simple life I live now BUT, GOD WHY ME??
I can remember the quiet time like it was yesterday when I had this discussion with God. It was right after I finally finished “But, God…” that this quote came to me: We are not called to be comfortable, we are called to be obedient.
oh. okay. God’s got jokes.
So, after lots of praying, learning, being poured into by some incredible people, I am now embracing the fact that I do believe He has called me to the mission field and I cannot wait to see how this story unfolds.
An analogy Pastor Amir teaches us on the reg is this: The church is one body. If your arm is broken the rest of your body will notice that arm more than ever when it’s disabled. Your body will also try to make up for what that arm cannot do (but we all know the left hand just can’t write our names like the right.) What if your arm was broken AND you just tore your ACL–then you’re for sure down for the count for several weeks. The point is that every Christian plays a role as the church. The church is not a building, it is the people. It is our job as Christians to be on mission everywhere we go. For some, that that ministry is in a counseling position, for others that is in a law firm, and for other people it is out in the field. People in need are people in need, no matter where they are.
If God is calling you, are you going to know it is His voice?
I know that this opportunity opened up for a reason. I believe I will find the best of friends on this trip but also get to see God move in crazy ways. Please pray that God will continue to equip and prepare my heart and my squad members’ hearts, so that we can make His name known and share the love we do not deserve, but graciously get from God with the people in the States and overseas!
–A huge thank you to my mom who never doubted my calling even when it was hard to let go and let God work in my life. Mom, thank you for supporting my every decision in this calling. Whether I am gone for a week to Chicago or giving you a 2 week notice before I leave for China for 3 weeks, you are the most encouraging, enthusiastic, and all with a servants heart. I love you.
–Also, Thank you to everyone who has prayed, encouraged and supported me financially, and thank you to those who are still considering!
The best is yet to come
emily
