A few weeks ago our OneLife team returned from Mexico. We were invited to help with a camp for future missionaries. As we should have very present, Jesus calls everyone to work on one thing: making disciples of ALL nations. That is the only mission. And that can be done domestically (in your homeland) and internationally (not your homeland). Missionaries to foreign lands face extra challenges like: culture shock, adaptation, new languages, new spiritual battlefields and strongholds, lack of family and friend support nearby to lean on, legal and administrative hurdles due to their non-native status, etc., in addition to the everyday struggles common to people working anywhere. Because of this, the work can be especially difficult: It’s one thing to witness in a language you know, it’s another to struggle for words to express the gospel in another language and culture. But no matter where you work, we are all called to work together as one body, one family, supporting one another, set apart by God for this work.
During this camp focused on foreign missions, we were pleasantly surprised to see many people interested in making a difference all around the world. There were between 60-70 people interested in this missionary work, and many others supporting these individuals by supporting the event. Imagine how much of an impact 70 new missionaries can have in our world! Our world is in desperate need of people who will just reach anyone in any country. Now imagine 70 new people dedicated to that purpose.
People recognize the value of a doctor. We consider it a very important job to extend people’s natural life. Who isn’t extremely grateful for someone who has helped rescue them from sickness or death? How much more important is the work of rescuing people from eternal death!
We were able to share with the camp attendees and volunteers on a wide variety of topics relevant to modern missionary work. We were also able to have personal conversations with many people throughout the event. Each day was long and exhausting. to be frank, and definitely not without struggles, but we believed the Holy Spirit was doing something. If the Holy Spirit is present, all things are possible; without Him, words are vain and without power. Only the Holy Spirit can call to repentance and transform. Each day was a battle with the flesh and the enemy, and I am sure every person had to choose for themselves if they would keep moving forward in faith or give in to anything else.
At the end of the event, during the final service, we saw part of what God had been working all along. The Holy Spirit filled the gym we were in. As we prayed for one another and worshipped , God was drawing people to him in a special way. I can’t even really explain it. It was beautiful and so refreshing. And it reminded me that God is ALL-IN to see the WHOLE WORLD SAVED! That is His priority. It can be a struggle to work and support and see so much left to be done, but when the Holy Spirit moved, it reminded me that God has skin and blood in the game. He is focused, determined and unwavering even if we aren’t. He will see this world saved. There is nothing more important. And that moment when the Holy Spirit backed up the work made all our efforts worth it. If God is for us, who can stand against us? There is nothing and no one like our God.
I hope this will encourage you also. God is backing up those steps of faith in the mission He has given you to reach those around you. He hasn’t changed His mind; He hasn’t given up. He is playing for keeps. And often. that means He plays the long game with ultimate victory, and not the game of quick advances that are pleasurable to our flesh. Hang in there. Victory is sure.
Galatians 6:7-10 (NASB95) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB95) 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.