We all start somewhere. Ask any professional athlete, famous musician, or even mother. There was a point when they became what they are today. They weren't born with a guitar in hand belting out a song, and I'm pretty sure if you ask Usain Bolt's mother, he didn't come sprinting out of the womb. Even the president wasn't born "the president." So what did it take to build them into what they've become? Practice, practice, practice, encouragement, support, and more practice.
This is the same place that a missionary starts. We are all called to be missionaries by Christ himself.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." – Matthew 28:19-20
But does this verse mean that we are automatically missionaries? No way! I don't think we've become missionaries until we actually begin to do what that verse says. Making disciples. That's a daunting task. Not easy and sometimes very nerve racking. Especially amongst our peers. How do we expect to go into all the world if we can't even be a witness amongst our friends and family?
This is where we start! This is a key starting block for a missionary. Putting into practice what God commands us to do. Sometimes I think we all want to just skip the first part, being a light to our close family and friends, and go directly into "all the world," myself included.
I'm sure these famous athletes and muscians started in their home towns. Singing and playing at a local coffee shop. Swimming for their high school or middle school swim teams.
Missionary work isn't something that is just done in some third world country. It is work that is done right here in our home towns. I've been learning that when you begin to be that light right where you are, it prepares you for what is to come. The perspective of some is that your time at home is useless. You just want to get out there and do God's work. Well, this is where God currently has you, and his work is all around you.
What's next? ENCOURAGEMENT and SUPPORT! We all need this. No one wants to achieve anything without someone standing behind them telling them that they believe in them. For athletes, this are their mothers, fathers, coaches, and teammates. For a missionary, these are their family, friends, and churches. Someone backing you with prayers, words of encouragement, and the all dreaded monetary support. This may seem insignificant to some, but this is what mobilizes the missionary. This is what keeps them on their feet while they do the work of God.
And then finally, more practice. Just because your in a third world country now, it doesn't mean you've made it yet. Each and everyday can be full of new surprises. Things God want you to learn about yourself and the people around you. Practice is still needed to continue pressing on. When we stop practicing, we stop have the strength to be who we are called to be. Musicians need to continue practicing too right? If they stopped, I'm pretty sure their next live show wouldn't be too grand.
These are the starting blocks of any missionary. My encouragement to any of you who are striving missionaries. Keep practicing! Start where you are now and just trust God for what is to come.
