Many young adults make one of the following statements:
I want to be involved in Global Missions but I don’t know how.
I feel drawn to overseas missions service, but I have no idea what to do.
First, let’s get some background on how we normally get “direction” in life.
Global Positioning System
In 1974 the U.S. Department of Defense developed and deployed what is today known as the Global Positioning System. This system consists of approximately 30 satellites that circle the globe and can provide precise location data to users of GPS enabled devices on the ground or in the air. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Air Force reportedly wanted to end the program, but after its success in the first Gulf War it enjoyed new popularity. The U.S. Government opened the GPS signal up for civilian use and today it has become a mainstay of our economy and is used in everything from agricultural production, civilian aviation, car and truck navigation, the service industry, tablet computers, and cell phones.
According to the Department of Defense, GPS is a space-based positioning, navigating, and timing. Everyone who has used GPS to find their way knows it isn’t always a perfect process, but it removes a lot of the uncertainty and mystery of getting from point A to point B.
That is great, but what does this have to do with missions?
Just like the GPS can provide precise data to someone on the earth enabling them to pinpoint location, heading, and direction, God’s word provides its own GPS to guide you as you seek to involve yourself in the work of missions.
INVOLVEMENT IN MISSIONS – THE MISSIONS GPS
Give to Missions
God trusts people with stewardship of funds and other resources in order to enable the carrying out of missions work both here and overseas.
As soon as you have an income, make it a regular practice to give a monthly offering.
I Corinthians 9:14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Philippians 4:16-19. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Pray for Missions
It is always in order to pray for the wellbeing and effectiveness of our missionaries and their families.
They need God’s protection, provision and assistance. However, the Bible also gives us some specific things that we can pray for to advance the work of missions.
Colossians 4:2-3. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Luke 10:2. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Serve in Missions
If you wait for the perfect time you will likely never get involved in serving in missions.
Talk to your leaders, mentors and pastors about getting more involved. For a missions experience join a church/district/Youth Division sponsored YOM/AYC type of trip. Go on Next Steps which is a two-month program involving 3-weeks of hands on training followed by 5-weeks of working directly with a missionary on an overseas field. Serve as an AIMer and watch your small contribution have a major impact overseas. But do something and see if God wants you to engage in missions service as part of your life’s efforts.
Mark 16:15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Romans 10:14-15. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Your path to involvement doesn’t have to be confusing. Use GPS to guide your involvement and don’t wait.
GLOBAL CONNEXTIONS
The Global ConNEXTions experience in St. Louis in October provides you an opportunity to network, and learn more about how to be involved.
For example, you will hear about needs from actual missionaries currently appointed to the overseas field. This event is set to include hands on walk-through displays and two inspiring church services. Short day sessions will revel some of the nuts and bolts of missions involvement.
Somewhat unique to these types of programs, if you are interested in Africa, you will have a chance to eat lunch with a missionary from Africa. Or, if you are interested in Europe or South America, you will likewise have a chance to sit down for a meal with a missionary from whichever continent you think you might be interested in. The cost is only $30.
Start putting the GPS to use in your own life. Plan to attend Global ConNEXTions and see where the signal takes you.