Who Is The Real Missionary?

The past few weeks we have recounted several experiences from our basketball team’s mission trip to France. Your responses and prayers for us have been most gratifying and yet we have many people who insist on asking us when and where we are going next. It begs the question why do we need to go anywhere to serve the Lord. Is there a super payoff by flying ten thousand miles to share the Gospel compared to driving ten miles to a soup kitchen or Laundromat?

My wife is a great example for me as she is so loyal to the people of Zephyr Hills who rely on her and a team of people who serve hot meals every week for those who have little or nothing of worldly wealth. She has the gift of service and mercy and she will be faithful to their needs while also making sure that they know they are loved and cared for despite their low status in the world’s eyes. She also helps me answer those who question why people go on mission trips. You see the Lord calls us to many different places depending on our gifts. Most of the time, God is calling us to be a missionary right here in our homes and communities. Some times, God calls us to go to places farther away.

Not long ago, I was introduced to a ministry that takes place at a Laundromat. Teams of people load up on coins and detergents and take over an entire laundering facility and cover the costs of cleaning people’s clothing. They take story books and games for the children and people in the area are informed that for a two or three hour period, a team of people will cover the costs of doing their laundry and help entertain their kids. They will also hear the story of Jesus’ love for each person that may get thru since they see visible signs of love thru the simplicity of helping people clean their clothes. Indeed, who is the missionary here?

Luke 9:47-48 (RSV) “But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Monday Morning Message Sent 11/2/09

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