Be a Missionary Every Day

        I remember that in the early 70's I made a statement to myself that I would never want to be a missionary, but if I ever was to be a missionary, then I would go to the country of Spain. So years went on and every Spring and Fall, a group of missionaries would come to present their works in various parts of the world. I recall the vivid details of being a missionary in the country of the Congo and since I am not a reptile or bug person, it cast a very dim outlook for me to ever be a missionary. Then, in the early 80's a man came from Spain and told of his work in that country and how there was only one Bible believing church in his city of 200,000 people. One thing lead to another and soon we were on our way to Spain. There were no bugs and no reptiles that I ever saw. We even had the patio doors wide open all day and never even saw a fly. Maybe it was the scent of the garlic that kept them away. The word “missionary” is defined as “a person undertaking a mission especially a religious mission.” Acts 13:2-3 says, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

        The word “mission” or “missionary” does not occur in the Bible. The idea is there but not the specific words. Acts 1:8 was one of the great “sending” verses from the Lord Jesus Christ as well as the “great commission” as seen in the end of Matthew 28. The journalese of Paul during his life time make the concept of “missions” real in our world today. While some may be called to serve in countries in different places, the work of missions is just as important in the place in which you live. We once heard a husband and wife who were called, so to speak, to go to the Philippines. They raised their support including about $32,000 to get them there. They lasted only six months before they were never heard of again in the area of missions. My concern for missions was prompted by the fact that our town at the time had about 20,000 people and about 40 churches, 20 which were preaching the gospel message. It just seemed like a terrible unbalance of resources. At the very least, lessons were learned by our mission board. Missions, however, is not confined to foreign fields. Missions really begin at the front door of your own church. It involves the spreading of the gospel message to those who are on your own street and the streets surrounding your church. Basically, if you are not doing missions in your own area, you are not going to do it across the ocean. Your own Jerusalem is in your own home town. Some churches have a notice written above the door on the inside of the church that you will see as you exit your church. The notice reads, “You are now entering the greatest mission field in the world.” Missions is real and commanded for all of us. Piper once said, “Missions exists because worship doesn't.” If there is one area that is not worshiping God, then that area is a mission field. Can you think of a home, or a town, or a state where they are not worshiping God? If you can, then that is your mission field. You don't have to raise “outgoing expenses” or have a monthly support to do the work. It is right there in front of you. Our mission is to spread the truth of the gospel to as many people as we can and it will start in your own Jerusalem. When you are involved in doing that work, then God may send you out to your Judea as was commanded in Acts 1:8. Praise God today for the message of salvation. It was great for you and you should be sharing it in your own mission field.