Missionary Life
What is the hardest thing about living a life as a missionary? Well, for everyone it may be different but for me it is loosing all sense of privacy.
In the Arab world, everything is communal. Everyone question that can be asked, will be asked.
For many years, I thought I had a handle on it. Until recently, I have been wondering. Do I really have myself incorporated into others lives?
It is not possible to make a meaningful impact into people’s lives if you are not apart of them. Evangelism is not just about going and distributing materials. That might be a very good start to entering into people’s lives, but it cannot be a simple one time thing.
For those of you that know me, realise, that I have been praying since this time last year for the Lord to teach me to love my neighbour as myself. I have seen a lot of changes, but see a lot of room to grow in.
Since, I have been trying to be more loving I have found myself surrounded by people that would have otherwise not taken time to get to know me. Honestly, it can be draining sometimes or embarrassing when not knowing someone’s name that you are really trying to care for.
I am starting to feel that if I am not getting called for then something must be wrong with me, not with them. If that is the case, I need to be more exposed more of a friend.
I have seen countless missionaries that are able to leave the country they are serving in for six months or even a year at a time without second thought. If you are apart of peoples lives, sharing the Gospel with a community how would it be possible to leave that long?
Preach the Gospel, be as confrontational as possible, but love. Above all love, without love it is all pointless and people will soon see through the façade.
There is a community that I visit frequently. I have been going there and visiting homes 3 to 4 times a week. I am finding more and more, it is not my arguments that are making people desire the Gospel, it is love. I do not have to prove anything, just preach the Gospel. They are responding to the love God has given me towards them.
If we want to see people come to Christ, we must first take down the walls in our own lives. We shouldn’t limit discipleship to a class once a week, we should be involved with them as much as we possibly can. We do not have tomorrow promised to us.
I remember a few years ago, I used to give my cell phone number out all the time with tracts I was passing out, but then would be discouraged when no one would call. We have to put effort into it. We have to go after them.
So, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,’
When you begin to love people, be prepared to get swarmed with folks who are willing to hear the Gospel. Also be prepared for sadness, as without love there is no hardship. But with love, you will truly care for those for whom the Gospel is meant.
Tags: difficulties, evangelism, ministry
Filed under: Lebanon Updates