If you haven't read the last blog, check it out. Because then, this one will make a little more sense. So, to give an incredibly short recap, the good news is, you're a missionary! The bad news is, you're a missionary! (Yeah, it's not really bad news at all…read the last blog to figure out why I'm presenting it that way…or just go with the idea that I try to have "catchy" blog titles that are slightly intriguing in order to hopefully gain a few more readers here or there…and I have to tie things in form time to time to make it work.)
Alright, now…if you're just rejoining us from the last blog, welcome back. We missed you. But I bet you're curious as to what Part 2 is all about. Well, allow me to feed your curiosity. It's another quick story of some "missionaries" I've met while on this crazy adventure. Meet the Biddles:
Mark and Sharon, and their four children Jake, Luke, Joshua and Sophie (I really wish I had a better photo.)
Mark and Sharon are both from England, and have been serving in Phuket, Thailand for 5 years. During their time they have been involved in many community projects, but are mostly known for SHE Ministries…and ministry to help empower women to leave the sex trade, and learn valuable skills to put towards more constructive work. And while this sounds like they know exactly what their doing…that isn't completely true. They are constantly being led by The Holy Spirit. Mark and Sharon have pioneered what this ministry looks like where they are…but a lot has been through trial and error. And it's always been founded in prayer and faith that The Holy Spirit would lead them.
Neither claim to be an expert on the subject. They simply have a heart to help rescue young women from the sex trafficking industry and have spent the better part of the past five years learning what that looks like. They have started from scratch, fully believing that The Holy Spirit would truly be the one doing the work through them. They don't earn a salary…they live on faith, believing God has led them to this, and that He will provide for them. And He has. He continually provides month to month.
Mark and Sharon are completely normal people. Mark loves to tell stories and chat. Sharon loves to hear about what God is doing in people's lives. Their kids are full of life and energy and creativity. They are a family. A family who felt God moving them towards something that was bigger than themselves, that was intimidating, that was foreign, that was risky…and because of their faith…they answered that call…and God has been guiding them sense…walking with them, and going before them to make preparations.
The Biddle Famliy is especially holy or anything. They are genuine human beings, complete with flaws and drawbacks. They aren't "experts" in what God has called them to. But they are willing to learn…willing to risk and willing to sacrifice because they believe God is good, and that to glorify Him and His Son are worth the effort He asks of them. So, they follow Him…and He provides for them as He works through them.
They are regular people. With faith in a good God. And because they are following His voice and sharing His kingdom with the world, they're missionaries. They just happen to live in Thailand. So what does that mean for you? If you're a regular person (and I'm willing to stake a lot on the fact that you are) and you're trying to fllow God's voice and share His kingdom…then you too are a missionary. You just happen to live wherever you live.
So go out, be yourself, and share the joy and wonders of the kingdom wherever God has placed how, however He is leading you to do so.
