You think you know but you have no idea
Many people when they think of a missionary they think of someone going to one specifically place and deciding to make it home. And living there and spreading the gospel in that place. That is definitely a part of the equation. Many do know the other ways of becoming a missionary. I have been blessed to be able to participate in a few types.
One type I got to be a part of in 2006 was international campus ministry. This is a new part of the field. I do not know the exact date it was started but it is far younger in use than your typical mission trip. I was able to go to Mexico and live there for 4 ½ months and live life with the people on campus there. Hopefully ended in inviting them to come to the campus ministry I was working with. Once they were involved with others from Mexico that were staying there they were more likely to stay around. And just like campus ministry in the States in gives them an opportunity to have a place to learn about God and also an alternative to “typical” college life. The logic behind this ministry is those in college will be the future leaders of a country and if you get those people to understand how to live a Kingdom life they can change their nations.
There are also short-term mission trips. Some types are where you may go for a week maybe two or maybe a month. Many churches in the states are involved in these types. You may go do a medical mission, evangelism, or maybe even construction. These types of mission trips for many people lead them to decide to go on longer trips.
Of course you have trips like the World Race that last 11 months. In the scheme of things it is technically a short-term mission trip. However, 11 months is a long time for some and they are not able to go a trip that last as long. It is a mix of long-term and short-term. You get to only be in country for a month but all together you are gone from home for a year. The cool part of it is that there is no month that is like the other. One month you may do manual labor, and the next preach and give testimonies. Along the way through stress you remember that each serve the Kingdom in the say way. Many start the race looking for direction, some find it. Many instead just find who God wants them to be as a son or daughter. And that is what takes them into whatever comes afterwards.
There are many other types that I have not wrote about but the last I am going to write about and definitely not the less is the missionary in their own city. Yeah I am sure many of you are thinking no you are the missionary not me. You thought you knew but had no idea. You are included. You commanded to do the same as me. The job you go to in the morning or any other time of the day is a mission trip. You show God’s light to those you encounter through your job or even at the store. You are called to go to the “least of these” in your own community. If you see homeless in your community (if you look they are there) you are called to live life with them. You are called to tell them they are loved and put clothes on their backs. You are called to comfort the widow. The kids growing up without a father or mother you are called to tell them they are loved. The great commission is not an exclusive club for those that go overseas. Our Father in heaven called us ALL. There are no exceptions. True Life: You are a missionary.
