All my life, I thought I would be a missionary overseas. Only over the past 5 years has my heart and eyes been opened to the fact that God has brought the Nations to me- here in the United States of America. Between refugees and immigrants, God has broken down hard walls in my heart that only considered Missions to be "overseas."
Well, Craig and I ARE domestic missionaries. Right here, to the NATIONS in America. While we are still passionate about going overseas to equip local leaders in effective ministry outreach and discipleship, we are so thankful for the relationships that God has brought into our lives with people who speak English as a Second Language.
This little video clip touches on something critical at the end- why do we as American Christians and Churches elevate overseas missions over domestic missions? It costs significantly less and is less of a hardship and burden to be a domestic missionary than overseas (this does not mean easy!!) We aren't the only domestic missionaries who struggle with lack of funding and less emotional/ personal support. We are so excited for someone to go on a 2 week trip overseas that costs thousands of dollars, but we don't even consider the domestic missionaries that are forced to work up to two other jobs just to support their family, leaving less time and emotional energy for ministry.
I don't say this out of pity, or anti-short term mission trips, but just a realty check. It's more exciting for us as the giver to support someone who is going somewhere different- culturally we romanticize it. I say this as a donor, one who actively and regularly supports missionaries and mission trips. Receiving messages from our dear friend Christopher Bwami in Uganda with progress photos of the crops growing because of our financial gift last summer due to the sale of our house is a visual and tangible view on how the money God gave us, and we gifted, is having an impact right now. Literally growing food for life.
When Jesus said to preach the Gospel to all the Nations, He didn't mean that YOU need to go overseas to accomplish this either. What are you doing in your life to build bridges and breakdown barriers with people from other countries in your community? They are pretty easy to spot at the store, parks, museums, hospitals and public transportation. Strike up a conversation and don't hold back in building a relationship and sharing Christ with them. They may never have met a true follower of Jesus before and it is OUR calling to share the Giver of Hope. So all might know and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. Amen?
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, for the sake of their souls. Learn to eat whatever food is offered, embrace their hospitality, be patient when explaining new cultural concepts, don't use "religious" terms that a. don't translate linguistically/ culturally and b. are completely absent in a non Judaeo/ Christian culture. I don't mean this to sound overwhelming. God isn't placing someone else's salvation upon your shoulders, so you better not screw it up! No! Have grace with yourself in this new territory. Be quick to apologize if you've offended. Be transparent and authentic, showing your own humanness and need for a Savior. Be completely imperfect, so that as you let the Holy Spirit refine you, it shines Christ even more than you ever could have on your own.
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