Over the past year, I’ve been trying to define what a missionary is in my own head, because I think God is calling me to be one. I think its an interesting topic for the church today also. How do you define it? and I think more importantly we should ask God how He defines it. Interestingly, here’s how the dictionary defines it:
According to wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn a missionary is:
My Thought Process Timeline
1 Year ago: Missionaries go to a place to convert people to Christianity. They live in the jungles of Africa (or enter third world country). They don’t own many things.
6 Months ago: Missionaries go to a place to proclaim the good news about Jesus and what that means for their lives. The places they go could be anywhere even America. They help people who are hurting physically or spiritually. They live a simple lifestyle supported by their church or individuals.
Today: Missionaries are committed to seeing God’s Kingdom come to earth where ever they are in the world. Being a missionary is not about a place its about a lifestyle of following Jesus. They seek to solve the things that break God’s heart: injustice, sickness, slavery, bondage, and his lost sheep. They know He desires mercy. They are led by the Holy Spirit. Their mission in a particular day could be befriending a lonely christian and encouraging him, working with local government to fight sex trafficking, working in a café with Spirit open for opportunities for God to break through, healing a broken ankle and tell them about the One who healed them, or praying for the city they are currently in. They realize that in order to have lasting fruit and avoid burn out, they have to walk in the reality that everything is a reaction to God’s love and that is their foundation of life and ministry. He loved us first and is the very definition of love. Efforts are empty without love. Worship is essential to be filled up and get Heavenly perspective for the day. They know that God supernaturally heals and they pray for people as opportunities arise. They also know God gave them a creative mind to think about difficult issues and take well-thought-out action. Money is no longer a source of bondage or control just an opportunity to see miraculous provision.
Church in Ödeshög, Sweden
I’ve had quite a change in thought in one year. God has stripped the stereotype of poor missionary in Africa to freed up, Holy Spirit empowered, laid down follower of Jesus who has a Fatherly God in Heaven looking after them even in the darkest places.
Thank you Jesus for giving me a new reality!
Feel free to give your thoughts and take on who a missionary is.
My wife and I have finished staffing a Discipleship Training School (DTS) through Youth with a Mission (YWAM). We both love God and are committed to following his will. I enjoys taking photographs of my travels as well as blogging about awesome things God does. To see more photos, visit our gallery. More about Calvin and Camille
5 Comments
Great thoughts Calvin, love it.
Liam Byrnes
5/8/2010
That is who We are Calvin! When we know Christ. So true. We are constantly called on by Gods spirit…filled and empowered daily to live the Gospel and given opportunity to choose Jesus daily..:) the church..the bride of Christ….those who have received the gift of grace are the ones He has received as His special possession..
justin Hilman
5/8/2010
So true, love your thoughts on this!!
cam
5/8/2010
This is wisdom! I love how God shift our paradigms!
Crystal
6/19/2010
Consider mine shifted forever! I’m so thankful the Lord has taken me on this journey to understand the world he created and what my purpose is in it.
Calvin
6/20/2010
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