Our mission… is Missions!
If you’ve ever participated in the Alpha series, you might remember that one of the very first questions raised is: have you ever asked yourself “is there more to life than this?”
Hint: it involves looking up from our navels and toward others.
Life isn’t about how much we make, what people think of us, or what we own. Only by devoting our lives to He who saved it can we answer the question above with confidence. And how can we do that, you ask? Missions.
This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives, (Colossians 1:6 NLT)
Controversial? Sure. Important? Absolutely—nay: Necessary.
It is true that missions are going through somewhat of a rough time when it comes to public image, especially online. But why do we insist on them? What keeps us 2021 Christians going back? Why should you, someone who respects and cares about the preservation of other cultures, not only take part in one but make it a priority to do so?
What I talk about when I talk about Missions.— Know. Love. Share.
Three crucial components of our faith are brought together in the harmonious whole of missions.
- The Good News: Jesus gave His life so we may be saved. (Romans 5:8 ESV) “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- The New Commandment: to love one another and follow after Christ in love. (John 13:34 ESV) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you”
- The Great Commission: taking our love abroad to seek out the lost and unreached. (Matthew 28:19 ESV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”
These are our duties. Like Paul, we are to share the good news of Jesus through whom we were saved. We are to share the gospel of God so that others may in turn be saved. By definition, missionary work takes those of us who are blessed to know Christ as our Savior (Good News/1) out into the world to extend His limitless love (New Commandment/2) beyond all borders, and fulfill our purpose as the children of God (Great Commission/3).
So… are mission trips for you? Saved to serve!
What I believe is that we should strive for a God-centered faith rather than a self-centered one. Coincidentally, the quest of the former also fulfills our own happiness far more than the latter, which is bound to disappoint us. What is your faith centered on? Are you ready to pursue your Godly calling wherever it may lead?
Our task is clear: “go.” A single action word spoken in the imperative. Our prefecture? Everywhere. To all the nations of the world, “to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV) Our authority? Jesus Christ. Whether it starts at home or abroad, every step you take with a heart that prioritizes the fulfillment of your mission will help deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with God.
If you’re still on the fence regarding global outreach, afraid of the commitment you perceive such trips require, or if your family is worried about seeing you off for more than a few days, why not start with a short-term trip, or by forming a prayer group for missionaries currently abroad?
The things that you would name as deterrents might be the exact tools God plans to use as you serve Him. It’s easy to let excuses, noise, or doubt stop us from pursuing the missions we’re called to as followers of Christ… but I believe we can do better. I think we can start now.
Further Reading
- YouVersion Bible App Plan: Mission Trip Checkup: A Prescription for Spiritual Health.
- Book: “Through Gates of Splendor” by Elisabeth Elliot.
- Jesus’s Good Samaritan parable & the 1970’s Princeton Good Samaritan experiment.
Ready to start your Outreach journey? Stay in the loop by subscribing to Island ECC’s Outreach Ministry Newsletter here. You can also contact go@islandecc.hk to find out how to get involved.
PS: Did you know we translated a Bible? Island ECC’s current Global Outreach locations: Asia, Africa, The Arab World (learn more).
Would rather start at home? Check out some of Island ECC’s Local Outreach ministries, like Hope Of The City, here.