Within the church that I grew up in, we have a missions statement that we go by:
To be a community of Christ followers. Who are committed to being real with God, real with each other, and real in the world.
This statement is something that I use on a day to day basis, as a way to remember who I am in Christ. Depending on the person this statement may have different meaning to them. That being said, I have had many people come to me and ask why I believe what I do, or why I chose to do international long term missions. So I figured why not dive into this statement and explain what I believe and why I’m a missionary.
1.) To be a community of Christ followers.
The actual definition of Community is:
A social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or inte-rests and is distinct in some way from the rest of society.
The church is made up of many members brought together to proclaim the name of Jesus and praise him whole heartedly. (1 Corinthians 12:12-20) As the community of Christ followers we have share the common interests of living for Christ, meaning we have all things in common. That being said, this allows us to have fellowship with other believers. (Acts 2:42-47) We are able to come together experience scripture, food, and prayer, with glad hearts praising God. While showing humility, gentleness, patience, and love to one another. (Ephesians 4:1-4).
Having a community of others who share the same beliefs as me has had a huge impact on my life in so many ways. I am able to ask questions about my faith and have others give me feedback, rather than being left in the dark. I have people hold me accountable for the choices that I make on a day to day basis, and let me know if it doesn’t fall in line with how Jesus calls us to act. I am able to worship along side them, through song and prayer, and come to them if I am struggling in any area of my life.
2.) Being real with God
This is more where it starts for me. This is the area of my life where I dig into scripture and understanding who God is, before I begin sharing it with others. In being real with God, I am able to worship him fully without anything holding me back. For me recognizing that God is all-knowing has opened a door to be open and honest in all my Thanksgiving and prayer. I pray for just about everything. Whether that be thanking God for all he has done and is doing throughout my life, or praying for him to help me in certain areas in my life. I am able to lay all of my troubles and worries down at his feet. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
3.) Real with each other
This is where I take all that I have learned through scripture and share it with others. Ephesians 6:19-20 says, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I out to speak.” We are called to share the gospel, to be bold for Jesus. The truth being that, God sent his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins. Who wouldn’t want to share that with others? In being real with others, I am able to boldly share my faith. As well as do life with others who do believe in Jesus, while learning from them, and growing with them.
4.) Real in the world
Being real in the world is where the missionary field comes into play. 1 Timothy 2:4 says the wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. So if God wants all people to know the truth, that leaves us to spread that truth. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit.” Matthew 28:19 If this is what we are called to do, then this is what I will do. To make disciples of all nations, means in more places than just the United States. I must make disciples and serve people here, but also in other places so that the light of Jesus may shine all over.
This is just a short explanation of my beliefs. Easily I could go into so many more reasons and details and if you are reading this and have any other questions for me, I would love to answer them for you! I am so excited to be taking part in this incredible journey. I’m so thankful to each and every one of you supporting me along the way.
Updates and future events
Financial: I am just over half way to my goal of $15,000! If you are still looking for ways to financially support me there are multiple ways you can do so.
- T-shirts are still for sale. I have most sizes, $20 a shirt
- There is a donation option on my blog
- I will be hosting a bowling fundraiser at Channahon Lanes, March 11th at 7pm. Tickets are for sale as of now, please contact me if interested. Ticket prices are: $20 a person if bowling (this includes bowling, food, etc.) $10 a person if not bowling. Fundraiser will also have raffles, games, music, and more.
Prayer Requests:
- God will continue to bless my finances for this trip!
- I will continue to be filled with the drive to pour my heart into this mission
- With having so much going on, I will still be intentional in my relationship with God and others, and not get distracted from what is most important.
Thank you so much again for all of the love and support! I can not explain how incredibly grateful I am! God is so good!
-Alyssa
