So I definitely won't be going to Japan this year, but I am looking at going down to Ruidoso in the near future to help out cleaning up after the fires down there. From the sounds of it, it wouldn't be so much building as it would be clearing debris and helping the homeowners find any valuables that might have survived the fire. Despite the tragedy of it, I'm really excited to have the opportunity to be a part of helping the people down there rebuild their houses or at least move in that direction while also being able to show them the love of God.
Having this opportunity so close to home really reminded me that I don't have to go to a foreign country like Japan to share the gospel and work in missions. There are opportunities all around me at every moment. I just have to take advantage of those opportunities and be alert to them as well. And its just exciting to see all the opportunities there are close to home. So often we do think that being a missionary requires that we go somewhere where the people can't speak English, where they have a whole different religion. Some people are called to that kind of mission work. My former pastor and his wife and kids moved to Africa to be missionaries to the people in Cameroon. That's what God called them to.
I think there are times too when people don't want to have anything to do with mission work because they think that it does require them to go to a foreign country. Again, its just a matter of reminding ourselves that their are opportunities for us to be missionaries in our every day lives. Just look for the opportunities and let God lead you where He will.
This post was originally published on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
Amen! This is actually sometimes I've been frustrated about for a while... It's like all the young people assume they only way they are able serve Christ and share the gospel is by going to other countries. Actually, what's even worse is that the only way they seem to get financial support is if they go out of country.. =( It's sad that the Christians church doesn't do better to support the young 'missionaries' who are serving in their hometown! And, often times, ministering happens right in your own home, too... =) So you don't have to go overseas to be called a Missionary.. we all are if we are spreading Christ's love- even to those who already have it! Because sometimes we just need to be reminded. =)
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