According to the dictionary a missionary is a person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country. Many people use Matthew 28:19-20 as a staple verse for missionaries,
“ Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the ends of the a age.”
This verse can even be used to explain why someone would become a missionary. While I agree with everything mentioned above, I feel there is more to being a missionary.
From the time I was little I knew that I wanted to be a missionary. At age 7 a missionary was someone who traveled to foreign countries helping those less fortunate than themselves. Missionaries were not about forcing their beliefs on others but to simply show the love of Jesus through their actions and to be a helping hand. As I have grown older my thoughts on a missionary have not changed. To simply provide a way for others to hear about Jesus whether through helping build a new orphanage, running a VBS for kids, or setting up a food distribution.
I chose to become a missionary because I knew that God placed the desire in my heart to serve those in other countries. Those who are in need of a helping hand or just need to know they are not alone in this world. My desire is to never change a culture but simply to strengthen who God made them to be. My hearts desire is to eliminate the number of starving orphans, provide homes for the homeless, and to love those who feel unloved. For me the verse that calls me to be a missionary is Isaiah 6:8,
“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Here I am. Send me.
