Over Christmas break, I attended a missions conference called Urbana, which was held through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. At the conference, there was a large emphasis on serving cross-culturally, both short term and long term. From a Christian standpoint, I believe that the Bible calls us to serve others, just as Jesus did. However, at Urbana I struggled most with believing that cross-cultural missions are a path for everyone.
I have never imagined myself serving overseas. Some may say this is naïve. Others might say that I am not truly following Christ. I know that not all cross-cultural missions are comprised of living in a hut and peeing in a bush while struggling to learn the native language. I know there is a plethora of options that one can choose from if they feel called to serve cross-culturally. I just haven’t heard this call, and I want to say that’s okay.
Maybe, like some of you, I have always felt that my gifts called me to live in the U.S. and help others here. I see myself as organized, and as a strong writer and communicator. Yet, I’m grumpy if I don’t get three square meals a day plus snacks and eight hours of sleep. I always thought I’d be able to do more good here in the U.S., passionately writing their newsletter or other marketing materials, rather than as a missionary. I thought I could be more help to those in need in let’s say Africa, through an organization such as Samaritan’s Purse.
That’s just what I feel is best for me. Others who are more “doers” and like to get their feet dirty, may be called to more traditional mission work overseas. That is excellent, as well.
The main point is that we act as Christian witnesses no matter where we go, whether it be to work at Starbucks or at South America’s coffee plantations. Not all of us are made to be missionaries, but most importantly, all of us are made to live and spread the Gospel message.
The Lewis Flyer
PDF 
