YOU are a missionary.

One of the biggest things God has taught me on this trip is that everything He’s called me to do here He’s called me to do at home too. Although I’ll leave here in May, I’m not leaving the mission field, I’m going back to the mission field at home. Although the environment will change, my goal is not. I have been COmissioned and He calls my whole life to be a mission field… and yours too!
 
 
Here are a few (paraphrased) thoughts from Thomas Hale’s “On Being a Missionary”:
The word “missionary” means “one sent on a mission”. Every Christian is sent into the world on a mission. Jesus wants to send every one of his disciples somewhere, whether across the sea or across the street. Thus the mission field is any place where missionaries are working—or need to work—whether overseas or at home. The term “mission field” refers to the entire world wherever nonbelievers are found.
 
Since we are all missionaries wherever we are, there is much flexibility and mobility in today’s missionary endeavor. And since we are all missionaries wherever we are, no missionary “leaves the field early” and, as long as they are in God’s will, there are no “failed missionaries”, only relocated Christians. **Christy, Mossy, and Teani, you guys are missionaries just as much now as ever!
 
As for the work of a missionary, to what extent was his or her purpose for the glory of God? To what extent was his or her motive the love of Christ? To what extent were his or her means the power of the Holy Spirit? Let the missionary not build with “wood, hay, or straw” (read 1 Corinthians 3:7-15)
 
The work is God’s; but, wonder of wonders, he has chosen to accomplish it through us. Being a missionary begins with being called. You don’t choose to be a missionary; you’re called to be one. The only choice is whether to obey. You are a missionary only insofar as you are obedient to a call. God’s general will (call) is that I be a witness. His specific will (call) is that I be a witness in Nicaragua, or Edenton, or wherever. You fill in the blank for yourself. Our general call comes from scripture and our specific call comes from the Holy Spirit. God isn’t going to send us where we aren’t needed. God isn’t going to send us where our particular gifts can’t be used. The needs are overwhelming, but God knows all about the need; he only gives us responsibility for a tiny part of it.
 
And as far as where you go or what you do, Just keep moving as far ahead as you can see. God will reveal the route to you as you have need. He knows the end; we don’t have to. As the old saying goes: God can’t steer a parked car.
 
No missionary’s call is pure; the deeper we look at our motive, the more of self we see. God takes our natural inclinations and interests and sanctifies them for His purposes. Don’t wait for your motives to be 100 percent pure before heading for the mission field, or you’ll never get there. But once you get there, expect God to begin purifying your motives in earnest. Whatever you’re passionate about, do it, for the glory of the Lord. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
 
There are no first or second class missionaries. All of us are called to be first class witnesses all of our lives wherever we are.
 
 
And you will be my witness, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Edenton, North Carolina, America, the World.
 
Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
The United States is included in all the nations. And did you know that other countries send missionaries into America?
 
Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:18
As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. John 20:21
 
Once our eyes are opened, we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act. Proverbs 24:12
 
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
 
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
 
Move this to the top of your prayer list: Ask God to give [you] the right words so [you] can fearlessly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike… pray that [you] will keep on speaking boldly for Him, as [you] should. Ephesians 6:19-20
 
So, YOU are a missionary…
 
Let your greatest fear be of living an eternally insignificant life.
 
And… “wherever you are, be all there.” –Jim Elliott