What is ministry, and what does it LOOK like?
So, I’ve heard multiple comments from a variety of people I know, AND from people I don’t know involving their assumptions of what a “mission trip” actually is.
One of my teammates received a questionable comment from a friend and it got me thinking.
Honestly, it frustrated me.
So, here’s a blog full of real, raw thoughts.
Don’t get me wrong, I can be identified as guilty; my perspectives of specific places or countries have been wrong at times too.
But why does “ministry” have to look a certain way?
When I say I’m going to Africa for missions- what do you picture? Mud huts and starving children?
Although, there are parts in Africa that may match up to that image, this may not always be the case.
(All areas of Africa need the light of Jesus; I am not downplaying the severity of the poverty in this country.)
This blog is for those who may have questioned what it is exactly I’m doing on this 11 month long mission trip.
Is it actually just one giant adventure day?
Why am I wearing normal clothes?
Wait, you have makeup on?
How do you have internet all the time?
I thought you were on a “missions trip”?
Well y’all. Let me tell you something I have learned this year:
As a Christ follower, my mission field is EVERYWHERE I go.
That’s right, my life has become one giant “missions trip”.
During this season, Jesus has called me to something greater. I am on a kingdom journey. I am called to love.
This year, I have had the opportunity to work with multiple wonderful organizations. Each ministry has a different focus and a different “mission statement”.
Going into each month, I’m prepared to serve alongside the specific organization and help further their focus and calling.
However, there’s a common theme I’ve learned along the way.
Back to this question, “what is ministry?”
Ministry is LOVE. Wherever I am in the world, I want to love. I want to love the way Jesus loves me.
He looks past my struggles.
He looks at me with grace.
He shows me comfort.
He shows me peace.
He shows me joy.
He shows me patience.
All of these things are rooted in LOVE.
So, although my “mission trip” might not look the way you pictured, or the way I pictured, doesn’t mean I’m not walking in the mission He has called me to.
I can LOVE others in Knoxville, TN.
I can LOVE others in Africa.
Both are equally as important.
Okay, so you want some examples?
Let’s answer this next question then:
What does ministry (aka LOVE) look like?
(Here are actual examples of things my team and I have encountered this month.)
Ministry looks like randomly praying for a woman in the public bathroom who asked for help and encouragement.
Ministry looks like cutting bread and spreading peanut butter until your hand becomes sore; providing food for hundreds of children at the local schools.
Ministry looks like listening to one another’s testimonies while shedding tears of happiness -rejoicing in the way God has redeemed and is restoring us.
Ministry looks like jamming eight girls into a five seater car and smiling about it; remaining thankful for a way of transportation.
Ministry looks like chopping vegetables all morning, so the homeless people have dinner to eat later that night.
Ministry looks like acoustic candlelit worship in a small dining room – singing praises and speaking truth over one another with no restrictions on time.
Ministry looks like eating (too much) chocolate, laughing, and playing games with the people we met just two weeks ago.
Ministry looks like building relationships and creating treats for our new friends at the local church.
Ministry looks like waking up early to read the bible with your teammates; gaining knowledge and perspective through His word.
Ministry looks like dressing in all black and wearing red lipstick to help serve at the market, ready to tackle whatever is needed to help.
Ministry looks like sharing clothes and learning how to be okay with it. Sharing is caring, right? (Sisters, you all should be proud of me, ha!)
Ministry looks like dying your teammates hair because, why not?
Ministry looks like washing the sink full of dishes, even when they are not yours.
Ministry looks like handing out care packages to the new mothers who just gave birth to premature babies.
Ministry looks like calling people out, only because you want to help build their character as a brother or sister in Christ.
Ministry looks like talking in circles to the man on the street who is not even making sense because he is so intoxicated.
Ministry looks like keeping your phone in your pocket – showing intentionality and focus on what is around you.
Ministry looks like remaining present and truly listening to what others have to say.
Ministry looks like running through sand dunes by the ocean, admiring the beauty of Gods creation.
Ministry looks like being aware of opportunities, allowing miracles to take place.
Ministry looks like LOVE and ministry can happen ANYWHERE you go.
I hope this makes sense and I hope this brings some clarity to those of you who have questioned what this “world race” thing is actually all about.
For me, this journey is all about LOVE.
Love may not always look the way you think it will and I’ve learned to be okay with that.
I’m ready to continue loving; whether it be in the wealthy city or it be in the poor dirt- bring it on.
Ministry is LOVE.
You too, can be a part.
k | k
