I'm wanting to go into full-time missions work someday and wondering if anyone else has similar goals!
Anyone here interested in missions?
- Thread starter LaelNaomi
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Everyone should be interested in missions, even if they aren't called to the field. Some go; some send. All pray.
Been there done that got the tshirts. Although the closest I came to full time was a 3 year stint. Anyway, what sort of work are you interested in doing? Do you feel called to any particular area of the world? What's the longest mission trip you've done so far? Better stop now or this will start to sound like an interrogation.
I only went into local ministry to the homeless but I will pray for your preparation and entering into the mission God wants for you!
So exciting! I promise you, you won't be bored! It will definitely deepen your walk with the Lord and you will learn so much. Serving God is also fun because you're serving together with the Lord!
Let us know how things go!
So exciting! I promise you, you won't be bored! It will definitely deepen your walk with the Lord and you will learn so much. Serving God is also fun because you're serving together with the Lord!
Let us know how things go!
Hi there! I'm interested in either working with missionary kids or in church planting. I am a missionary kid raised in the Philippines and so I absolutely love the idea of doing it myself! I am willing to go anywhere at this point, but for now I am aiming to working with MKs in the States. We'll see where God directs
I haven't been on any missions trips other than volunteering for certain things when I was living overseas. I've helped with MK retreats and seminars. But I would love to hear more from you! Missions is a passion of mine so I'm really looking for someone who will love to lead in that. 
Hello again Lael, have you considered joining a missions organization (like The Navigators, Wycliffe, Cru, etc...........), or perhaps the organization that your parents were part of? I do know of missionaries who have gone it alone, but I think that's pretty unusual (isn't it?).Missions is a passion of mine so I'm really looking for someone who will love to lead in that.
In fact, there's an autobiography (about a solo missionary) that I'm pretty sure you'll love to read (if you've never read it before). This one.
It's the personal story of a young man (about your age) who simply followed the Lord's lead from Chicago to South America, and he did so without any backing, financial or otherwise, from a missions organization, church or even his parents. It is an INCREDIBLE story (that I don't want to spoil for you by saying too much) that you will probably not be able to put down until you finish reading it (you will laugh, you will cry, and you will definitely be amazed by the wondrous workings of God, both in the life of this man and everything that has happened to him, in the lives of the stone age tribe that he led to the Lord, and in the lives of all of the people who Olson and the Motilone people have touched and continue to touch, even today
). My favorite chapter is called "Jesus, the Motilone", probably because the Lord's providence concerning the Motilone people is so clearly visible in that chapter (the Motilone are the people that Bruce Olson went to live with as a missionary).
Perhaps you have already read it, but in case you haven't, I will stop talking about it now
God bless you!!
~Deuteronomy
For the friends I've known who have been in lifetime ministry, yes -- they have had to raise and live on their own self-generated support for over 30 years.
From the people I've talked to, it can vary depending on what organization you're with or if anyone is helping to sponsor the mission, example. Like if the church you're going through has a missions fund that might partially pay for you, but you are expected to raise the rest of the money.
I have never met anyone who is in fully-funded missions work -- it's pretty much a given that fund-raising is a huge part of the work.
Fully-paid missionaries could be out there, but I haven't run into one yet.
I have not read that book but I have heard of it! I should read it someday!Hello again Lael, have you considered joining a missions organization (like The Navigators, Wycliffe, Cru, etc...........), or perhaps the organization that your parents were part of? I do know of missionaries who have gone it alone, but I think that's pretty unusual (isn't it?).
In fact, there's an autobiography (about a solo missionary) that I'm pretty sure you'll love to read (if you've never read it before). This one.
It's the personal story of a young man (about your age) who simply followed the Lord's lead from Chicago to South America, and he did so without any backing, financial or otherwise, from a missions organization, church or even his parents. It is an INCREDIBLE story (that I don't want to spoil for you by saying too much) that you will probably not be able to put down until you finish reading it (you will laugh, you will cry, and you will definitely be amazed by the wondrous workings of God, both in the life of this man and everything that has happened to him, in the lives of the stone age tribe that he led to the Lord, and in the lives of all of the people who Olson and the Motilone people have touched and continue to touch, even today
My favorite chapter is called "Jesus, the Motilone", probably because the Lord's providence concerning the Motilone people is so clearly visible in that chapter (the Motilone are the people that Bruce Olson went to live with as a missionary).
Perhaps you have already read it, but in case you haven't, I will stop talking about it now
God bless you!!
~Deuteronomy
I have an organization (Ethnos360) I am planning on going with already. I am just saving up to go through the training.
But I always love to make friends with people who have similar goals and interest in missions as I do. And I'm keeping an eye out for a godly man who will be able to lead in that as well.
But that's all in God's timing!
I know the attitude well....owned it, did it....used my talents effectively when doing it.I have not read that book but I have heard of it! I should read it someday!
I have an organization (Ethnos360) I am planning on going with already. I am just saving up to go through the training.
But I always love to make friends with people who have similar goals and interest in missions as I do. And I'm keeping an eye out for a godly man who will be able to lead in that as well.
Today? I have a different mission field. The need is dire for missionaries. The work is brutal as well.
And what they dont understand is that if I, and others, are not successful their nation will absolutely implode and disintegrate in 20 years. That's not a typical alarmist doomsday message about a fuzzy mathematical formula used for estimating the Lord's return or rapture.....its a hard fast physical reality.
The USA is facing its worst nightmare since the cold war.
We absolutely need a return to the Christian nuclear family with a minimum of 3-4 children per family.
It's at a crisis point....well....been there for several decades and slipped past the radar screen for 40 years now. Always thought it was a next gen problem. It no longer is a "next generation " problem.
The problem is multifaceted along with the solutions.
The USA is a ridiculously wealthy nation even if we dont feel that way after leaving the grocery store or looking to buy new clothes any major household purchases like cars, homes and etc.
But the important factor is that the American/European economy drives most of the whole world's economy. Especially the Asian and African. Middle Eastern economies too.
We, have values, morality, ethics (derived from scriptures) about how to work and play. The things that get us excited or we uniquely value. Its absolutely unique to each culture. We cannot allow immigration to make up for our birthrate shortfall.....because we have made the USA into a welfare state. We simply cannot afford to immigrate 80% of our lack of birthrates due to the welfare burden it places on our society. Never mind the huge shift in morality and ethics when it comes to public behavior.
Currently in the USA we went from the typical 2.5 kids with a house to a 1.3 kids in an apartment. That has consequences. We are looking at a complete collapse in 40 years with a partial in 20.
Meaning....you will likely not survive the upheaval coming.
We need to witness domestically to save our very lives. It's not just a saying anymore. Its become a literal reality.
This definitely is not the world I wanted but it's the world I live in just the same.
BTW, glad you are here.
Long story short: grew up with parents who were and are faithful missionary supporters. Went on my first short term trip to central America when I was 16, hunted down another when I was in college, then did a ywam dts post college, was ywam staff for the next couple years, then after getting some finances in order did a 3 year bible story translation project in southeast asia. Came home from that rather burned out and settled into a more typical life and now I support 4 missionaries regularly. They help me remember that god is moving everywhere and that the fate of the kingdom of god does not depend on the fate of the USA.Hi there! I'm interested in either working with missionary kids or in church planting. I am a missionary kid raised in the Philippines and so I absolutely love the idea of doing it myself! I am willing to go anywhere at this point, but for now I am aiming to working with MKs in the States. We'll see where God directs
I very much agree with that. As much as we need to pray for our nation...every nation needs prayer and the Kingdom of God is not the USA. Well said.
Im so encouraged to hear about people who are seeking to reach the nations or support those who are.
I understand that people don't like what I'm saying....
But there's not going to be a world if we do not have a "come to Jesus " revival in a real substantial manner.
It literally will be the end of the world. And it won't end nice and suddenly....it will be painful and brutally slow where every breath is dissected into various moments of pain. It's constant dread, hunger, and uncertainty for millions. Animalistic behaviors will rule the day.
That's the future....enjoy!
But there's not going to be a world if we do not have a "come to Jesus " revival in a real substantial manner.
It literally will be the end of the world. And it won't end nice and suddenly....it will be painful and brutally slow where every breath is dissected into various moments of pain. It's constant dread, hunger, and uncertainty for millions. Animalistic behaviors will rule the day.
That's the future....enjoy!
I'm sorry, I didn't at all mean to discredit what you were saying earlier. I believe there is always work to do in the US to make things "better", for lack of a more holistic word.
The future is certainly looking bleak. And I understand the fear in that. So I appreciate the people who are fighting for revival in the States. I do know that there are people who have never had access to the gospel in other nations though. And so while global economy and stability are important, I am personally concerned with the spiritual need that people have right now. That is my primary focus currently.
As things in this world get darker, I cannot really be surprised by it. The world is turning farther and farther away from Christ and biblical morals and principles. And that's exactly what the Word of God says will happen. We can fight as hard as we can, and try to regain some ground through the Spirit. In the end, though, we know the Kingdom of God will ultimately prevail and this world will be destroyed and renewed. So I'm looking forward to the new heavens and new earth.
I find my daily life to be a mission. People have even said to me you are a man on a mission total strangers sometimes! I get some positive or negative actions from these people. Threats and blessings! So what I’m saying your personal life is a mission or should be . I get nowhere with family, but my parents are in heaven mainly by prayer over many years . Jesus said it’s hard in our own home and country , because they think they know us . So going to another place is more effective they don’t have the oh we know this guy darkness . But also stay where your language is well understood. Unless you can learn a new language with little effort. I still have trouble with English. I went to Mexico once didn’t understand Spanish and it opened my eyes to the seriousness of language. Also I don’t believe in women preachers unless to women , so a women role would be in support in other ways . Women lib really has infiltrated the church and is unbiblical. Men speak for God Generally. Women are ok for children or other women. Our lives should be a testimony and our words and actions effect others for good or bad . I one time went on a short term mission to Ukraine in early 90s , my desire was to hand out bibles , not some evangelism. The language barrier was very real all was done through interpreters . It’s a long story , I met some nationals that kept in touch and eventually came to Canada as visitors hoping to escape Ukraine, they didn’t see a future in Ukraine then . The people in Ukraine where very good people and so appreciative of help , no one rejected getting a Bible and valued it . Just giving to the poor and most were , they appreciated it so much you just wanted to give more . I didn’t have much to give but enjoyed it so much just the same . They at that time seemed so open , believing that Ukraine was a hopeless situation. One man said to me something, profound and actually biblical. He said “ we forgot God and he forgot us “ look where as a nation they are now ? Bible says any man or nation that forgets God shall be turned into hell . Is that because God is cruel? No but he lets them have their way . Stay in the word and always pray 
!!! It’s getting long …
!!! It’s getting long …
I've done foreign missions on 3 continents and 8 countries....I'm fully aware about what people don't know as far as the Gospel is concerned.I'm sorry, I didn't at all mean to discredit what you were saying earlier. I believe there is always work to do in the US to make things "better", for lack of a more holistic word.
The future is certainly looking bleak. And I understand the fear in that. So I appreciate the people who are fighting for revival in the States. I do know that there are people who have never had access to the gospel in other nations though. And so while global economy and stability are important, I am personally concerned with the spiritual need that people have right now. That is my primary focus currently.
As things in this world get darker, I cannot really be surprised by it. The world is turning farther and farther away from Christ and biblical morals and principles. And that's exactly what the Word of God says will happen. We can fight as hard as we can, and try to regain some ground through the Spirit. In the end, though, we know the Kingdom of God will ultimately prevail and this world will be destroyed and renewed. So I'm looking forward to the new heavens and new earth.
Unfortunately, some of those we are sending are not the best equipped either to help others understand what the Gospel message is. Which brings up another whole subject. (Not stating you are unequipped....just saying what I seen while I was out there)
Then there's the profiteers from missions....another lengthy subject.
I still support a few missionaries that I ran into personally. Their kids come by my place every once in a great while. Not so much since I moved to the wilderness areas in GA. But I'm getting too old to do as I used to....and family is important too.
However,
The issues I mentioned are real. The places we go internationally to evangelize are not going to exist anymore unless we "fix" the home front. That's what I'm trying to get across. It's complicated and I can explain how it happens....but that's the nut of the problem. We need you and people like you to help....a LOT.
Many of the stories that we know in scripture have great effects when translated into the languages of various people. Like when Jesus sent the evil spirits into pigs and the pigs drown themselves.....we in "civilized" cultures just say "huh"....and go on. But to them losing a herd of pigs is a huge, devastating financial loss. That loss could destroy a whole village. But somehow Jesus values a single person above a herd of pigs....big, novel concepts for most cultures outside the west. And you who brings such messages must be special.
I get the whole thing....done it...been there done that.
What I'm explaining is that important. Yes, one person is important as EVERY person is important. But we are about to lose the entire war for the sake of a single battle.
Thats why I'm saying what I'm saying.
This fight we need you for is much more brutal and difficult. Far beyond taking a weekly shower in a propane powered tent with water unfit to drink. That one is simple....frustrating at times but easier than this one. I know we are going to eventually lose the fight....but that doesn't mean I have to go quietly into that good night. Or that it can't be postponed for a bit.
I went next door to Slovakia....similar situation but a bit different.I find my daily life to be a mission. People have even said to me you are a man on a mission total strangers sometimes! I get some positive or negative actions from these people. Threats and blessings! So what I’m saying your personal life is a mission or should be . I get nowhere with family, but my parents are in heaven mainly by prayer over many years . Jesus said it’s hard in our own home and country , because they think they know us . So going to another place is more effective they don’t have the oh we know this guy darkness . But also stay where your language is well understood. Unless you can learn a new language with little effort. I still have trouble with English. I went to Mexico once didn’t understand Spanish and it opened my eyes to the seriousness of language. Also I don’t believe in women preachers unless to women , so a women role would be in support in other ways . Women lib really has infiltrated the church and is unbiblical. Men speak for God Generally. Women are ok for children or other women. Our lives should be a testimony and our words and actions effect others for good or bad . I one time went on a short term mission to Ukraine in early 90s , my desire was to hand out bibles , not some evangelism. The language barrier was very real all was done through interpreters . It’s a long story , I met some nationals that kept in touch and eventually came to Canada as visitors hoping to escape Ukraine, they didn’t see a future in Ukraine then . The people in Ukraine where very good people and so appreciative of help , no one rejected getting a Bible and valued it . Just giving to the poor and most were , they appreciated it so much you just wanted to give more . I didn’t have much to give but enjoyed it so much just the same . They at that time seemed so open , believing that Ukraine was a hopeless situation. One man said to me something, profound and actually biblical. He said “ we forgot God and he forgot us “ look where as a nation they are now ? Bible says any man or nation that forgets God shall be turned into hell . Is that because God is cruel? No but he lets them have their way . Stay in the word and always pray
I'm afraid they are going to learn like Ukraine did....too little, too late as well. The whole "axe is at the root" concept just doesn't seem to resonate.
Luke 13:35's "Look, your house is left to you desolate, and you will not see me again...' resounds within the commentary you've offered.
That is written within the context of the lament over Jerusalem, but Amos 9:11 offers a glint of hopeful expectation.
“In that day I will restore David’s fallen shelter— I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins— and will rebuild it as it used to be,
Reading Jn 9:42, a regard to the partial blindness of Isreal comes to mind.
Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
And this intimates a going forth to teach our neighbors of those things we 'see' while overlooking those things in our own house.
The impetus of immigration is fueled by a promise of wealth and prosperity without realizing the reality of hardship and failures consigned to the otherwise hopeful of a future, a proverbial bait and switch, indeed.
Is it too really all that too late? Idk. Maybe if we would just look for those who are blessed as he who comes in the Name of the Lord.
Even so, as of currently, I'm pretty sure that is in any of the conditions to come.
I was for a while, but the course I did - Perspectives - discouraged me, you had to raise a lot of money, and if your parents/church didn't support you, then it was a no go.
Also, organisations like Gospel for Asia want to encourage native missionaries, not international ones, as they are better equipped to reach out. It's very expensive to host and house missionaries. It's wonderful for the missionaries and exciting I guess, but its not always a good idea, esp if you don't even bother to learn the language.
From the positions they advertised in church it seemed like they just wanted helpers to support the missionaries children, like teachers and babysitters, and to run the missions compound, rather than actually reach out to the people who have never encountered Jesus.
Also some mission organisations were so USA centric, that you were kind of like, this is not gonna bring people to Jesus. Its just imposing a whitewashed consumer culture on to someone else's.
Also, organisations like Gospel for Asia want to encourage native missionaries, not international ones, as they are better equipped to reach out. It's very expensive to host and house missionaries. It's wonderful for the missionaries and exciting I guess, but its not always a good idea, esp if you don't even bother to learn the language.
From the positions they advertised in church it seemed like they just wanted helpers to support the missionaries children, like teachers and babysitters, and to run the missions compound, rather than actually reach out to the people who have never encountered Jesus.
Also some mission organisations were so USA centric, that you were kind of like, this is not gonna bring people to Jesus. Its just imposing a whitewashed consumer culture on to someone else's.
Bible translation is very important, and audio bibles can be a way in for people to hear about Jesus. So I'm interested in that aspect of it, how the Word doesn't come back empty. But it has to be in a language people actually understand, not a gibberish tongue that you jabber in church when someone hits you on the forehead.