Where Is Your Mission Field?

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15

These two verses talk about going into all the nations, into all the world teaching and proclaiming the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The first thing I think of is Missions. When I first hear the word missions I think about traveling to other countries, besides the United States, and serving, teaching and proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. My mind doesn’t think about right here, where I currently am. When I see the word “Go” I think I must actually leave and be sent somewhere different from where I currently am.

Yesterday the Lord brought to my mind a realization that this isn’t exactly what he meant, he didn’t say that we had to wait to be sent on a trip or given the opportunity to go somewhere exotic, completely different than our usual state. He has already sent me. I am already in the place he wants me. Yes… right here in Billings Montana. He has placed and sent me here for a reason, this is my mission field. Well, rather His mission field, I am just His servant to be used for His glory.

I’ve never been on a mission trip out of the country, I’ve had many opportunities but it’s just never worked out just right for me to go. Discouragement and questioning God filled my heart and mind, why He wasn’t allowed me to go on these mission trips? Now I see it, it’s clear!!! He doesn’t want me on those trips because His purpose and mission for me is right here in Billings Montana. He has placed me here for a specific reason, to reach one person or many.

Even though I’ve never been on a mission trip out of the country I have no doubt that it gets you out of your comfort zone and makes you appreciate the United States. I know it’s a challenge to learn a new language, communicate and live in a completely different culture; but the same is true here. Sharing my faith here is just as much of a challenge and a leap out of my comfort zone as it would be in a different country. Each person you come in contact with is from a different “culture” they have a very different way of living than you, especially here in the United States, we are very multicultural.

So if you are like me and you’ve never been on a mission trip out of the country, stop and ask God if your mission field is right here. Maybe it’s your work place, maybe it’s your neighbors, maybe it’s your own family, I don’t know but God does. He might be sending you to right where you already are. 

Me, Myself and the Lord!

It’s been two months that I’ve been living on my own now and the Lord has sure taught me many things these two months. People have asked “how to do you like your new place? Is it lonely by yourself?” And I answer “no it’s not.”  There is a peace and comfort here. I enjoy the quiet. It sure has given me more time for the Lord – though I still get distracted and find excuses for avoiding him. Funny how I do get distracted in this tiny apartment without cable TV, limited space and no other human beings.

Being “alone” here sure has helped me to rely on the Lord more. I find that in this stage of my life of singleness – not just without a significant other but without roommates as well – I am forced to turn to the Lord more often. When I come home there isn’t anyone to vent to, it’s simply me, myself and the Lord. Of course I can always make a phone call to a close, trusted friend but they aren’t always sitting by their phone waiting for the phone to ring to listen to a dear friend vent and unload; not all of them are single, they have kids, spouses, and family to attend too.

I’m not trying to make this sound like a pity party on myself, I’m trying to point out that I’ve been learning how to trust the Lord more, engage in prayer and conversation with him, read his word, study it and share it. He desires for me to come to him first after a long day at work and full of busyness. He seeks me out and he LOVES it when I seek him out.

Here are some other things I’ve enjoyed about my new place… decorating, purchasing fun things and doing some firsts! My 1st Christmas tree, cooking my kitchen and now a new friend/pet/humidifier - soon to be named - in honor of Becky!