What does it truly mean to be a missionary?
Do you live overseas or live in the United States?
Is one better than the other?
I always had these questions in mind when I first heard a missionary talk in my church in New Jersey. And then when I was older, I went on four mission trips to Ecuador and Peru. I thought that going overseas was where you were supposed to be to spread and show the love of God. However, being on the World Race has changed my views on things. Yes, if you are called to live overseas that is awesome, but there is also nothing wrong if you stay in the states.
For me personally, I always thought to be a missionary you must be perfect and have an amazing connection with the Father. Also I thought that you never have a break down, everything goes smoothly and you have support from everyone that you are connected with. But being on the race has been teaching me new views. If you are called to live overseas, you don’t have to be perfect. While you are ministering to people the Father will work through you. He will provide and protect you through all different trials. Having break downs are good so the Father can work in you.
To live in the States or overseas depends on what you hear from the Father. Either one is no greater than the other. The main thing is to lean and rely on the Father, for he called you to do one or the other. You must listen to Him and go in with your whole heart.
Break downs are good to realize that you are only human. With the break downs, lean and learn from the Father because he will carry you through it. Also, leaning on others and sharing with them what the Father is doing is great, so they are able to help and support you when you are in need.
Another thing about being a missionary is you don’t always have to be busy with works. Sometimes sitting next an elderly person, playing tag with a child, and walking down the road to take a break is great. You are showing love to the elderly person, and since they are older they still have wisdom to share. That child feels love in that someone wants to be a kid with them. Taking a walk and just looking around your surroundings lets you realize that your Father is big.
Sometimes it’s our actions, not our works that touch people’s lives.
So whether you become a missionary overseas or in the states, just show love to the people and let them know they are not forgotten children, for their Father loves them.
