Isn't that what it's all about? Submission to God makes us all missionaries right? Regardless of geographic placement, if we're laying our idols at the King's feet and following him through (metaphoric) field and forest, we are missionaries. Shining a light in the darkness where some would say it doesn't belong, we're on a mission:
Live full. Make the world pay attention and give glory to God so that they too might praise him. If we're in designer digs or rags, in Taiwan or Time Square, if we're looking up then we're looking in the right direction.
I have no idea what lies ahead of me. Over this past weekend I've been confronted with the fact that I am in way over my head, way way waaaaaay. This water is unswimmable. It's ludicrous to even attempt to jump into this sea of endless pain and poverty. And yet, I remain compelled regardless of the insanity of it all.
I think that this trip will be a certain kind of new baptism, that once I emerge from the depths of my experience with the world's hurt and suffering, I will be given new eyes-the kind of eyes that see the Kingdom of God for its glory and purpose and power, regardless of culture, social status, achievements. And the kind that see the people who are just a conversation away from the Kingdom.
When I look at people I want to be constantly reminded of this nifty quote:
All of our actions in life can be put into one of these two categories. So, my job on earth is to bring healing to people in whatever sense they need it, because I have been healed. I submit to God's call on my life to be a missionary wherever I find myself. I still don't know how I'm going to survive 11 months on the field or even how the money I need is going to roll in, but I do know that God provides for his people when they commit to doing his work. Amen.
