As of right now, I’m on my 15th month of being on the World Race. God has blessed me as I have traveled to more than 15 countries over the past year and a half where I have been submerged into different cultures that are unlike my own. While each country has so many unique differences, there’s something I’ve noticed many have in common: the local’s view of foreigners as walking dollar signs. No matter where I am in the world, as I walk down the street there are countless people who come up to me asking for money, food, or if I want to buy their merchandise. Some ask if I would like to support their soccer team financially or if I’d like to buy weed or coconuts. As someone who is passionate about helping the homeless, I don’t mind giving money or purchasing food for someone, but as a missionary living solely off of support I understand how unrealistic it is for me to meet every single need I encounter.
To be honest, it can get kind of frustrating at times having everyone and their momma come up to me wanting something they think I have as I walk down the street. As I’ve traveled more and more, I’ve grown calloused towards their requests and have learned to do the common foreigner response of putting my hand up in a wave gesture, smiling and saying “sorry” or “no thanks” as I walk by. Many times I find that I don’t have the money to give or I simply don’t want to be bothered so this dismissal of them seems to keep them out of my way.
But this is not a good habit.
On an off day in Jamaica, some of my squadmates decided to go to the beach for the day. As they were trying to catch a bus to come back to town, a man approached Kaydan (one of the guys on our squad). As it has become routine, Kaydan expected this man to ask for money or if he wanted to buy some drugs from him but something different happened.
The man asked, “Are you guys missionaries?”
“Wait, what?” Kaydan asked.
The man repeated the question.
“Yes, we are.”
“Good cause God sent me over here because you are supposed to tell me something from Him.”
“Wait, what?” Kaydan asked again.
Kaydan and the others were super caught off guard by this man’s request. He then proceeded to witness to the guy and it was incredible how God indeed did send that man specifically to Kaydan.
When I heard this story, God really spoke to my spirit. It has been over a month now and that story still resonates with me. There have been too many times, whether traveling around the world or being in the states, that I have overlooked many people in need. And I am not just talking about their physical needs. There is a world out there beyond just the people close to me that are in need of love, peace, and hope! There is a world in need of a Savior. And there is a Savior who wants to meet those needs! God has chosen us to be His hands and feet on this earth. He has chosen us to give that word to someone to unlock their hearts to him. But too many times I put my hand up, smile, and say “sorry” or “no thanks.
What.
Is that what God meant when he said “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”? (Matthew 28:19)
Apparently the way I’ve been conditioned to interpret it is “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL the nations, when you feel comfortable, during ministry hours, or only on Sundays…”
I guess you could say my Christianity is the opposite of Chick-fil-a. I am willing to provide Spiritual food for those in need but only during the Sunday hours.
What.
Ok, yes, I am probably being a little hard on myself, but sometimes that is what God wants! His word convicted me because I have been so lackadaisical in sharing His life changing hope with everyone I come in contact with. One thing I have learned on the race these past 15 months is that our everyday lives should be our ministry. LIFE IS MINISTRY PEOPLE! Our Christian faith is not about just doing ministry on Sunday’s. It is not about doing ministry during “ministry hours” and then checking out. We interact with hundreds of people everyday and most of those people are just waiting for someone like you or me to get a word from God to unlock their hearts to Him!
I hope this is hitting you right now as much as it is hitting me.
I am not talking only to those on the mission field. I am talking to all of you at home as well. You are on a mission field too! People at your job site needs Jesus. The grocery store where you shop has people who need Jesus. The school you attend needs Jesus!
Are you willing to let people know they have hope?
God has taught me a lot this past year and half on the race. One of the main lessons is life is ministry and ministry is life. In Jamaica that truth really hit me, and I hope this resonates with you as well.
“When we only tell people or show them Jesus on Sunday we are putting God in a box. It might as well be a coffin.”
So everyone is up to date I will be home from the field on Wednesday and I Will be heading to Louisville for a summer job. To come back on the field in September and December for debriefs with this squad I will have to raise the rest of my $4,500 before August 1st.
Will you please pray and consider donating! Everything donated on this blog is tax deductible. Help a brother out!
