Missionaries don’t really have faces. They’re people in other parts of the world for whom my home church donates a monthly allotment. They’re the men and women for whom our WMU ladies pray for safety and guidance. They’re the occasional strangers that address the church body, explaining about Kingdom growing work they’ve done in some far off place and usually asking for help to keep a program going. They’re good people, doing good things, but they’re here today, gone tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind.
Harsh! But so stinkin’ true, it hurts.
Sometimes it’s easy to be a “sender.” In fact, some of us are adamantly called to do so. Drop a $20 (or heck, even a $100) in the offering plate, give a pat on the back, say a one-time-covers-all prayer and send those who are called to, “Go!” merrily on their way. When that happens, it’s typical after a few days (for me, as well) to forget all about their projects, their prayer requests, their needs and their callings; to return to my normal, comfortable lifestyle and go about my business as if I really don’t care that people all over the world are lost, without Christ, and effectively are bound for Hell.
It’s a bit of shot to the gut to realize just how poor my support for missions has been, and it’s no mistake that it took God calling me to the mission field to make that realization clear. Until a few days ago, though, I hadn’t even recognized that I’m, in fact, a “real life” missionary.
A few mornings ago, I woke up to this sweet, sweet message on my Facebook wall:
“Anna and I were working on her AWANA memory verses today and her book asked for her to look up and tell about a missionary. She immediately said "Ashlee is a missionary." She had to put a picture of you in her book and of course she chose the picture of the two of you from the State Fair. Her children's church class studies a new country every month. She is quite excited that you are in Thailand because that is this month’s focus. God clearly has placed you and your mission on our hearts and minds.”
A little background for you – Anna is the baby sister of Kentucky FFA. During my term as State FFA Reporter in 2008-2009 (when she was about two-years-old), she and I became BFFs. She’s one of the smartest kids you will ever meet (she’s in Kindergarten now), and anytime I get to hang out with her is absolute, pure joy! (Her Mom, Dad and brother Ben are pretty special to me, as well.)
Anna and I at Kentucky State Fair 2012, a few weeks before I left on The World Race.
Reading that message was a bit of a trigger for me. I’m no longer a “sender.” For the time, God has called me to the front lines of His battles. I’m witnessing, first hand, what lives without Christ are like, and I’m doing everything within my power to introduce people to the peace, hope, joy, promise, and above all, love that a life with Him can bring. I know what it is to struggle financially. I know what it is to miss my family and friends. I know what it is to face a project and feel like it is absolutely impossible.
Fortunately, I also know what it is to have my financial needs met. I know what it is to build relationships around the globe that become my extended family. I know what it is to watch God show up and prove that through Him, all things are possible!
I’m a Missionary.
Do I think I’ll be called “to the field” for life? Honestly, no. It seems that God repetitively shows me that America will be my mission field, though He hasn’t given me a clear view of exactly WHERE in America I will be planted. One thing is certain, though; if and when I return to the “sender” side of missions, my approach will look far different. Once a month prayers, occasional donations, in-the-moment-and-then-forgotten thoughts are simply not enough.
God bless the men and women, worldwide, who choose to go into hostile nations, less-than-desirable living conditions, and dangerous environments; say goodbye to their homes, their families, their comforts, their securities; put their faith completely in You and know that without You showing up, they will fail. Provide for them. Comfort them. Protect them. And convict more to join them.
Amen.
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
