Native missionaries. Who are they? What do they do? What is
there calling? How important is their role? All these things I am being able to
learn first hand. Since being on the field since September, I have met many
different foreign missionaries, and many different native workers. It blows my
mind those whose calling is here, in their home country, and what is exactly
required of them. They are called to live amongst the poorest and serve
tirelessly, often without recognition. The life of a native missionary is hard,
dirty, non-glamorous, and at the same time, incredibly rewarding. I just
finished a book titled “Revolution in World Missions” in which the author talks
a lot about the absolute vitality of taking the gospel to your own people. For
so long, as Westerners, we have believed it was up to us to bring the great
news, but I’m finding out that the most effective witnesses often times are
those from the same culture, language, skin color, everything. Not to downplay
the importance of foreign missions- I myself am one. But, I realize how much I
can truly learn more about service to the Lord and to others through those who
serve their own people. And the people of these countries in return are most
receptive to them. No programs, frills, or gimmicks, simply putting the needs
of their own people first, listening to them, praying, and sharing the gospel
everywhere they go. Being from the States, people often assume I am here to aide
them with resources they need. This is true, I can buy them a sandwich or other
items, but I am here to share with them the word of the Lord. Often times, it
is easier for a native to approach them, or vise versa, and they know they
don’t have resources to give out, but only the message of the cross. Peter and
John told the beggar that they had no resources to give, only the message, and
the beggar was healed that day (Acts 3). There is something so unique about
serving your own, something all of us are responsible for. I wonder if we often
see the advantages of being right where we are to serve and share. It makes me
excited to go home to bring the Gospel message to my own people as well!
Remberto and his wife Victoria- native missionaries to the Bolivian rainforest.
