I always grew up with such a huge admiration for missionaries. Growing up at Calvary we would have missionaries come in and visit. One of my favorite memories from childhood is Randy Coolbaugh coming in to our Sunday School class and telling us stories using a wordless book. I thought he was so awesome! It was also a visiting missionary that brought me to a relationship with Jesus! He came in to our class and talked all about how Jesus wanted to make a home in our heart, to forgive our sins, to help us in life. He then asked who wanted to receive Jesus, thinking, “who wouldn’t”, I shot my hand in the air only to realize I was the only one! Bright red with embarrassment I tried to hide, but was seen and he took me out to pray with me. Despite the red face it was a great experience. I even remember Rachel and Carlena (Vyskocil) visiting children’s church when they were home from the mission field on furlough thinking they were so cool! And they still are of course! I guess I grew up thinking that missionaries were those far off living away from home in primitive areas with not so great accommodations telling people about Jesus all the time! I then got to join the missionaries in the field on short term trips and loved being of that! Last week as we were going door to door inviting people to church and evangelizing to those interested I felt like a missionary for the first time on the race. Now I would say a missionary is one who shares the message they have. This can be done anywhere, but being very intentional about verbally sharing the Good News with any and all who will listen. I feel that a missionary is on a mission to plant seeds for the Lord. I think we are too willing to let our “actions” supposedly be our witness and lead people to the Lord. With that being said in other countries it really does come down to actions because language is a barrier, but I also think that it’s a cop out for not facing the fear of sharing our faith. In all reality we are in a battle for lost souls. I got into many discussions on busses and in taxis and I was able to pray with one girl, Carolina and help her into the kingdom and it was a blessing and honor. I used Spanglish and a newbie translator and God still used us! She came to church both nights we were there; I bought her a book to help her grow, and got the pastor involved. She brought me a necklace the last night and I know we are sisters in Christ! So what is a missionary? It’s difficult if not impossible to define. I just know that I have the honor and privilege of bringing the Good News of Jesus to people and my passion is to see them love Jesus and pass it on to others. So what is your definition of a missionary? Let’s just get out there and share the message we have! If you don’t know if you have heard the Good News, message me because there’s nothing I love talking about more!
