Dear Young, Christian Men,
Coming on the World Race opened my eyes to a lot of things. Please note that this is not an advertisement about the World Race. So that’s the last time I’m mentioning it. (:
God has placed something on my heart, so let’s get straight to the point: the mission field needs you.
“Two thirds of active missionaries are married couples. Another third are single women. The rest are single men.” Although not statistically accurate, it makes a good point. There just aren’t a lot of guys in the mission field.
But why is that?
I am currently travelling the world with 27 girls and 3 guys. Three. I don’t even see them half the time because they’re on a different team.
Sure, anyone can spread the Gospel. Sure, anyone can tell people about Jesus.
But not everyone can show a woman who was sexually trafficked that not all men are scoundrels. Or show a child whose father abused him that there are men out there to look up to. Or to show the men of the community how to be leaders. To be honest, some of the duties women have to pick up on the mission field would be better suited for men.
Stereotypes that “women are nurturers” and “men are money-makers” could be to blame. But it’s amazing – even when we’re conscious of these stereotypes – how much they rule our lives and our behaviors.
I don’t want this to be a discouragement. In fact, I want you to be encouraged by this letter!
I have found that taking the easy road is a temporary fix. It’s putting a Band-Aid on a broken bone. It’s easy to act like a Christian because you go to all the church services and are super involved in your church. The easy road never gets you out of your comfort zone.
Why settle for the low expectations that society has laid out for you?
Christ has called you to rise above the things of this world. He has higher expectations for you! And He has called you to do them.
John Piper says that we have three possible responses to the Great Commission: go, send, or disobey.
God has called us to be the complete opposite of the rest of the world; to get out of our comfort zone and make Him famous.
I have talked with so many people who don’t even own a Bible (let alone other necessities) and who try their hardest to go to church just to hear more about this guy named Jesus. So many of them say that it’s hard to attend church because they’re too busy.
Wait a sec. Did you hear that? That’s the same excuse we use in the United States!
Christians get such a bad rep because so many people call themselves “Christians” but don’t rise above the easy road.
Young men, the world needs you. They need an example of Christ to follow. In cultures I’ve been in, women are seen as objects. Objects! Do you know how hard it is to speak to a group of men about Jesus when culturally we’re practically nothing to them? How much more would it mean coming from the mouths of Christian men!
Young men, you have a voice. You have a story. And you have a message.
Christ died to save everyone. Everyone. And there are a lot of people out there who don’t know that.
I challenge you not to stop here. Find a missions opportunity, whether it be a week or a month or a year or more. Volunteer. Invest your time. Live out the Great Commission. It doesn’t have to be overseas. There is so much going on in your backyard. Dig deeper into your community. I promise you’ll find something you’re passionate about.
For you young men who are actively involved in missions: you’re obeying God’s call on your life. Keep doing what you’re doing. And when you feel insignificant, God’s got something He’s teaching you!
With love,
Jennifer Bryan
