The number one question and maybe even opposition that I have had my whole missions life has got to be “But why do you have to go to another country? There’s so much work to be done here!” Don’t feel bad if you have asked this question before. It has pushed me to seek out my own purpose in the task. And you know what?
You. Are. So. Right.
There is TONS to be done in the states. Many of the same struggles even: homelessness, poverty, people without access to medical treatment, people not exposed to Christ. IT IS ALL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD!
So how could I leave, right? Well, to be direct: because God told me to. I was given a task, to go. My heart has been made restless and I assume it will remain restless until I complete this task or am given a new one. He has given me passions and skills that I want to use to the fullest!
But that still doesn’t address the issues here. What is to be done for those suffering in my homeland?
Let me take you to Acts 6:1-7. The church itself is just beginning to form. Christ has gone home and the disciples are now spreading the truth of His life and salvation. The number of believers are increasing. They are working in unity to take care of anyone with need, wether it be food or land. But in verse 1 the problem begins.
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Let’s break it down. You see, the disciples had a job to do. The had walked with Christ and were commanded to share about His works, but then a need rose from within the church. They took the need seriously, but delegated it praying intentionally over the men who were given the job. The last verse says “so the word of God spread.” If the disciples had stopped to feed the widows would it have spread as effectively?
The church is meant to take care of itself from within, and every piece is called to action. It is not that one job or need is greater than the other, but we are given specific tasks. A missionary is not elevated above any other believer. They are, however, called to be obedient and to go. As are those who may live in the same house their whole life. They are called to feed the widows, clothe the children, and heal the sick.
If every task was left to just a few, the Word would stay right where it is and the world will die without knowing Love. That is why some must go, even when there is work to be done.
These verses have made me so aware of my need for the church at home. I, as well as people on my team and missionaries everywhere know there are lost and needing people at home. It is far from easy for us to walk away from them, but we leave our friends, family, and community in your hands. We are counting on you to feed them, clothe them, and love them. Because we ultimately all have the same goal- bringing more people into the Kingdom. We must ALL work with that purpose in mind, taking every task seriously.
“Unity is the most obvious means to meet each other’s needs, to demonstrate God’s love to an unbelieving world, and to facilitate harmony and pace.” – The Jesus Bible
So don’t discourage those seeking international missions, or ministry of any kind. The disciples thrived off the support of the church, and the need of that support and encouragement is still just as big today. And know, too, that we want to be in prayer for you! Part of missionaries not taking priority is that we are still intentional with members from the body at home. We are called to bear each other’s burdens, regardless of distance.
All that to say, I am sorry if I have ever responded defensively to your question. Know that I love you and truly just want to share the love of Christ! It is a priority for me to love on the people here, but calling to love on people there I am seeking Him daily to have a better understanding of that love and how to be it. Please be patient and pray me through it!
Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and remember to subscribe to this blog if you want updates of my life on the race.
