The High Maintenance Missionary and the Forgotten Anniversary

Gaby and Katie Correa mentioned their one-year ministry anniversary recently. We were in MOT (Missionary Orientation Training) together, so I instantly thought that my anniversary was probably coming up, too. When I looked at the calendar, I realized it had come and gone.

August 15, 2016, I walked through the doors of Global Outreach and took my place in the second office on the left. I had expected to be a "digital" missionary and expand my online ministry. At the last minute, I was switched to being a prayer missionary. I didn't have any idea what I was about to do, and no one else did either. 

It didn't take me long to realize that the new prayer missionary was in desperate need of prayer. A few friends at church laughed and called me a "High Maintenance Missionary" because I constantly asked for prayer, but they prayed. The title stuck. 

The Empty Nesters at First Baptist Church in Starkville, Mississippi offered to pray for me every week. I've probably worn them out with prayer requests, but they've prayed and God's answered. Not one single prayer request has been unanswered. 

Jay White's Sunday School class join in the pray effort, and has prayed for me every week, along with Old Bethel Church, the Sisters of Strength, and numerous others. 

This year would've been impossible without their prayer support. 

I like to see a tally of work done, but I don't have time to count, so I'm leaving that to God. Here's a little summary of what He's done this year.

The Untapped Power Grid Project has connected senior adults with missionaries in the field as committed prayer partners and intercessors. We have facilities in three states and wonderful volunteer coordinators who do a marvelous job of keeping the connections fresh.

I've spoken countless times on topics ranging from prayer to outreach in the Middle East to learning to hear God's voice. (The picture above was taken on my second day at Global, when I spoke at Sherman Baptist Church.)

The in-your-place, at-your-pace study of Hosea was the first online Bible study I wrote. It was finished just about the time I joined Global. The community that formed celebrated completion of the study with an in-person evening at my home.

A few months later, the James online study was completed. (I'm currently converting it to a print format.) I don't know how many people did each study, but those online studies have had more than 5000 views. 

I spent three weeks in the Middle East and fell completely in love with the region and the people. God did huge things on that trip, and I'll be going back before long for another three-week stay.

Fellowship of Christian students meets monthly with students at the Fillmore Center during the school term, and I had the great blessing of being a part of the adult team that helped.

Groups came together for a variety of projects at our Home Office, and one of those groups packed more than 500 personal care packs. All of the packs have been delivered to people in need. 

The blog continued the steady growth it had enjoyed since it began in 2013. It has doubled again over the last year and reaches around the world.

All of that sounds like a lot of busyness, and it was. More important, though, is that God was in that work, and He gave an increase. Lives were impacted, hearts were softened and changed. People came to Jesus for the first time, they allowed Him to draw them to a deeper place, and heard his voice for the first time. 

For a while, I kept tally of the people who made commitments, but I soon realized that God wasn't in my accounting. He didn't want my numbers. He wanted my surrender. That's what I tried to give Him. 

When my neighbor, Sam, needed more care than I could give with him in his own little house, it was clear he needed to move to a place of greater care and equally clear that the place was my home. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right one, and God helped me do it. I don't deserve any accolades for this hard work, because I simply obeyed and moved my work to home. 

The amazing thing about taking care of Sam is that ministry has flourished. I've emailed missionaries, prayed for them, encouraged them, and recruited more prayer for them from the start, and that hasn't changed since I've been working from home. If anything, the quality of the interactions has improved. The Caregiver Chronicles, stories from the adventure of taking care of Sam, has been my most-read series, with literally thousands of views.

My life as a missionary looks nothing like I expected, though I'm not sure what would. I certainly didn't expect to end the first year at home, caring for an 87-year old neighbor who could do little for himself. I didn't expect to serve by emptying the bedside commode multiple times a day or lifting Sam by the belt to help him (sometimes very nearly drag him) from chair to bed. I didn't expect to need sitters to leave my house or to carry Sam with me everywhere I went when sitters weren't available. That's not a complaint. It's my reality.

God's done a lot this year. It's all precious, even this season of working from home and taking care of Sam. 

What I treasure the most, though, is what He's done in me. I'm learning the meaning of servanthood in a new and deeper way. It's not a way I would've chosen, but it's the path God's given me. I'm learning how valuable little acts of love are for one who has so little. I'm seeing in real time how important my attitude is as I serve. 

I'm not sure I'm excelling at the job of servanthood, but I am sure of one thing. It's driving me to my knees, and to surrender, in a new and deeper way. 

I'm quicker to ask for prayer for myself, quicker to confess my faults, quicker to admit my inadequacy. I'm less afraid...about what people think about me leaving medicine and doing this, about how my future will unfold, and how I'll make it financially without "doctor money." 

I've been awed by the generosity of the body of Christ and I've seen our partnership in a new way. 

I know, without a doubt, that none of what's been accomplished is about me. We've worked together and God has done it. All the glory, honor, and praise goes to Him. 

Thank you for loving me through this first year, for partnering with me, for praying me through, and for sharing in all the fruit God has given. 

"He must increase, but I must decrease..." John 3:30 

_______________

Please like and share to extend our digital reach.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Hurricane Irma: Waiting for Destruction but Praying for Peace 

. 

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

Working Together To Get the Job Done

Last week, I spoke at a nearby nursing home and invited the residents to participate in praying for missionaries.

Most of the people accepted a missionary card, but one elderly lady was hesitant. "I don't know," she told me.

"What's your hesitation?"

"It's a big job. I can't remember much of anything. I can hardly remember to come to breakfast. What if I forget to pray?"

"You'll have your card, and you won't be the only one praying. I'll be praying, too. I have lots of people who will pray."

"Okay, then. As long as I'm not the only one. That's too big a responsibility for me." 

The lady's words have come back to me over and over again. "It's too big a responsibility for me." She's right. Praying for the work of God through our missionaries is a huge task, but we can work together to get the job done.

An easy way to join in is to take one continent at a time. Go to the Global Outreach website and hover your cursor over "our missionaries", then click on the continent of choice in the drop-down section. Pick an area of the world and pray for those missionaries listed on the web page.

Today's my African day. I'll pull the prayer cards for missionaries in Africa and pray for them by name. Tonight, my supper club will have ground nut stew, a recipe a former missionary to Nigeria gave me. We'll go through my cards and pray for them by name again. 

It's the way I taught my son about missions when he was small. We cooked and ate our way around the world, praying for missionaries as we went. 

You can do it, too. It's a fun way to join in the effort by praying for missionaries and learning a little about their country at the same time.

Intercessory prayer IS a big responsibility, but it's not too big if we work together. How about you? Today, look for an innovative way to join in. We can make a difference, if we will. 

"And He said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" Luke 10:2 esv

______________

(Missionaries, feel free to share a recipe for your continent's turn.)

If God leads you to help support this ministry outreach, here's the link to give: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: Choosing a Grateful Heart in the Midst of a Grumbling Culture

#missions #prayer #globaloutreach

Taking a Risk and Praying for Doers

8 Days of Hope workers after a completed project

Jesus did not serve merely as a divine speaker, wrapped in a coat of flesh, preaching to anyone who would listen. He did so much more. Matthew tells us Jesus was "going about all of the cities and the villages, teaching... proclaiming... healing... seeing... feeling compassion." He was on the move and making a difference.

His didn't just feel sorry for people. He did something about it, and He expects us to do something, too. 

"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'" (Matt. 9:37,38 nasb)

This wasn't a friendly suggestion, even if Jesus wrapped it in the softest of words. He meant for us to pray for God to send workers. 

What He didn't mention is that, when we pray, the worker God decides to send might be us. I know that from personal experience. 

After Katrina, I prayed for help and God sent me. After the tornado that hit Tupelo and Louisville, I prayed for workers and God sent me. After I attended the missions conference last year, I prayed quite a bit about workers. As you probably know, God sent me.

My new ministry involves recruiting and coordinating the prayer efforts for our missionaries.  As part of that, of course, I learn about the needs of missionaries and pray for them. 

Just this morning, one of the missionaries emailed, "I need to step back from some of my ministry responsibilities to be more available for my husband and children, but we will need another teacher if I am to do that." 

Once again, I'm praying for workers to help in the harvest. What I've come to realize during the past few weeks is that the harvest truly is plentiful, but the workers are a sparse few. 

Body of Christ, we could work together to get the harvest in, if we would. We could have a worldwide awakening to the truth of God's love and the saving blood of Jesus. It's not too hard for our Lord to accomplish, but He has commanded us to be participants. He's doing His part. Are we doing ours?

We are to pray (Matt 9:38) and to go. (Matt. 28:19,20) 

Today, let's turn our hearts from the political realm and it's concerns. Instead, let's focus on the spiritual realm and the concern of the harvest in the field. 

Jesus described the fields as "white". Ripe and ready. No farmer would leave their harvest in the field. Neither should we. People around the world are perishing without Jesus (including in this country). We can do something about that, and we should. One step at a time. 

It all begins by praying for workers. Not everyone who prays will be sent, but some of us will, and, when we're sent, we'll go. When we go, people will learn about the beautiful love of Christ that sets us free. Some will accept Him and join in the work. Before you know it, the love of God will spread around the world. 

Today, let's make a start. Pray for God to call workers willing to go for both short-term and long-term mission efforts. Get ready, though. The worker He calls may be you. 

_______________
Please like and share. It extends my digital reach in ways I can't do alone. Thanks!

If you're interested in short (or long) term missions, comment or message me. There are many opportunities for service.

In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: After the Election: What to Do When It's Hard
If you'd like to help support this ministry outreach, here's the link to give: Global Outreach Acct 4841#mission #Jesus

The Heartbreak of Human Trafficking

Last Saturday night at the Salad Supper, one of the ladies talked about the problem of sexual abuse and how often she saw it's wounds in the women to whom she ministers in the jail ministry. Our conversation wandered on a bit from there to the problem of human trafficking.

Some of the things I heard frightened me and broke my heart. I wanted to do something to help, but the doing required more knowledge. I've read more than I wanted to know about human trafficking this week.

Here's some of what I've learned:
- Human trafficking is the fastest growing activity of organized crime world-wide. 

- Human trafficking is a $32-150 billion industry. (estimates vary widely)

- The average victim of trafficking is 12 years old. 

- 100,000-300,000 children are at risk of being trafficked each year.

- The average cost of human trafficking is ~ $90,000/person.

- The Polaris website estimates that 68% of trafficking involves forced labor. 26% of victims are children and 55% are women and girls.

- Trafficking involves more than prostitution. It includes forced marriages, labor trafficking, trafficking for organ trade, forced sex acts and performances, and child sex tourism. 

- Worldwide, according to Wikipedia, 2 million children are trapped in trafficking of child sex tourism. (I was stunned to hear that people schedule vacations in order to have sex with children. Fishing trips to the Amazon in Brazil. Trips to Thailand. You can include any brand of perversion if you wish.)

- Sex trafficking victim numbers vary widely, but there are at least 4.5 million victims worldwide.

- Interpol rescued 2,700 victims of sex trafficking in July 2016 alone.

- In Israel, six people were recently arrested for running a trafficking ring in which their victims were speech and hearing-impaired people kidnapped from the Ukraine and forced to beg.

- According to the FBI, 750,000 predators are online at any given time, trolling in 40,000 public chat rooms. During a 10 week investigation, offers to pay for webcam sex performances were made to undercover officers from 20,000 different internet users.

- According to Wikipedia, 10,000 prostitutes (many of whom were victims of sexual trafficking) were brought from out-of-state to Miami for Superbowl 2010. The weekend of the Superbowl is one of the most profitable of the year for sexual traffickers. 

I did a Google search for "prostitution in Tupelo MS" and found a few news reports of arrests for prostitution over the last few years. It certainly didn't look like the problem you might imagine in a big city, but it wasn't non-existent in this area, either. Whether there is an organized structure to it or not, prostitution exists at some level in our area. 

If you're like me, you want to help. The first step in making a difference is to be informed. There are imbedded links above, as well as specific links below. The first link below will help you learn to identify a victim of human trafficking. 

It's also important to understand who is at risk of becoming a victim of trafficking. According to safesupportivelearning.ed.gov (accessed 8/26/16) 

"Possible risk factors associated with child trafficking include the following:

• lack of personal safety
• isolation
• emotional distress
• homelessness
• poverty
• family dysfunction
• substance abuse
• mental illness
• learning disabilities
• developmental delay
• childhood sexual abuse
• promotion of sexual exploitation by family members or peers
• lack of social support" 

The risks for human trafficking are similar, no matter your age or gender. Those who are weak and unable to defend themselves are always at risk of falling prey to those who are stronger. (Here's the link to an article that discusses the risk factors in more detail.) 

It's easy to look at the facts and decide it's a problem for law enforcement officers, and it is. The reality, though, is that it will take all of us to make a difference. 

Internet pornography is highly addictive, and is one of the reasons the trafficking industry has expanded to such an incredible degree. People who use pornography find that, like a drug addict, they need more to achieve the same result. Deeper levels, worsened forms. 

If you dabble in pornography, confess your sin, repent, seek help if needed, and stop. (I was shocked to learn that a small but significant percentage of pornography users are women.) 

Get an internet filter.

If you know someone who uses pornography, urge them to get the help they need in order to stop.

Learn what to look for in trafficking victims and those who are at risk.(The link is below) There is a 1-800 number for victims of trafficking to call for help. I do not recommend trying to get between a victim and the trafficker. That's a job for law enforcement.) You can call the 1-800 number to report a suspected trafficking situation, as well as call 911. 

Volunteer. You can make a bigger difference than you realize by volunteering to help with the jail ministry. You might be the one who helps a person trapped in a terrible lifestyle to break free by the power of God.

Consider volunteering with organizations that serve at-risk youth. Prevention is always better than trying to extract someone after the fact.

Most important, don't underestimate the power in prayer, both individually and corporately. We serve a God who hears and responds when we pray. He cares about the women and children who are victims. He will not turn a deaf ear to our pleas. He will not fail to move.

Now that we're informed, we can begin by praying with insight. Today, let's start by making a commitment to do exactly that.

1) Pray for traffickers to be exposed and stopped.

2) Pray for those who are victims to be recognized, freed, and receive the help they desperately need.

3) Pray for at-risk women and children to receive help in advance that keeps them out of the hands of traffickers.

4) Ask God if you should volunteer with your church or other organization to help those victims who are incarcerated. (Expect a yes on that.)

5) Pray for law enforcement officers to recognize victims and get them the help and protection they need.

6) Many of the victims are held in bondage because of drug addiction, so pray for them to have a desire to be sober and clean. 

7) Pray that victims will find the freedom and healing only Christ can give.

8) Join me in praying that those who have taken, or are taking, a child-sex-trafficking vacation will be caught and arrested before they can traumatize a child, and that the children involved will be rescued.

9) When SuperBowl weekend rolls around, pray that those who are being victimized can be rescued. Pray for the law enforcement officers who are investigating human trafficking to be wise and recognize every instance. I'm praying that the next SuperBowl weekend will be the least profitable weekend for traffickers ever.

10) Pray about volunteering with at-risk youth and welcoming them into your home. (You can expect a yes on that prayer, too.) The organizations working with troubled and at-risk children and adults appreciate your donations, but they need your time equally as much. Volunteers are always in short supply. 

Be the one who loves those in need, just as they are, and demonstrates the love of Jesus to them. 

There is a worldwide problem, but boys and girls, men and women in our area are at risk of falling victim to traffickers, too. Sometimes, they are victimized. 

We can make a difference, if we will. 

When I wonder what Jesus would do about this problem, the answer is clear. 

He'd roll up His sleeves and wade into the fray. 

He'd stand up for those who need Him most.

He'd love with abandon, and invite them to follow Him. 

That's how Jesus loved me, and He revolutionized my life. The people in at-risk situations need the love of Jesus every bit as much as I did. If we are willing to lead them to Christ and help disciple them, He can revolutionize their lives as much as He did mine. 

In fact, that's exactly what He wants to do... and He's depending upon us. Let's be the ones who love like Jesus, give like Jesus, and rescue like Jesus.

Frank Pollard once quoted a poem by C. T. Studd. One line has stuck in my mind for decades.

"Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell.
I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell."

When I heard those words, I thought Dr. Pollard said, "rescue ship". I wanted to be a rescue ship, too. There are plenty of people living within a yard of hell. Let's run the rescue ship (or rescue shop) that brings them to the safety of Jesus.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." 
2 Peter 3:9 nasb

Here's a link to help you learn to identify a victim of trafficking.
Here's a link to the MS Attorney General's brochure on Human Trafficking.
Here's a link to the MS Attorney General's list of resources. 
Here's a link to the MS Human Trafficking Act of 2013. It provides for a relief fund for victims and forfeiture of assets for those convicted of trafficking.
___________
photo above courtesy of freeimages.com

Here's a link to yesterday's post: Salad Supper Sweetness
Here's the link to the prayer guide: The Prayer List 

Here's the link to my Global Outreach page: Leanna Hollis MD
#humantrafficking

Thoughts on Training and the Digital World

As you may remember, I started MOT (Missionary Orientation and Training) at Global Outreach a few days ago. In case you wondered, Missionary Training is nothing like I expected. 

It's not endless hours sitting in lectures. Traditional lectures are few and far between. Instead, there are innovative teaching techniques that invite us to learn more about ourselves and the people in our group. 

One of the things I'd expected was that I would be trained to do whatever it is that missionaries do. Instead, I'm learning how I work with others, how to do that better, and how to work within the organizational structure of Global Outreach.

What I've learned as we've gone along is what Global already knew about me. I'm not becoming a missionary. I've been sharing the Good News of Jesus through digital means since the internet was an infant. I've been a missionary for years. My mission is to do more of what I already do, and do it in creative ways.

The table in the board room had paper tents with our names printed on them to mark our seats. All the other missionaries' tents had their name and the country in which they will be serving. 

My tent had my name and my "country", too. It read, "DIGITAL WORLD". I saw that and laughed, but it was exactly right. My mission field is, indeed, the digital world, and I have a lot of work ahead.

We've learned about the importance of building teams, and I've begun to have a vision for how much more could be accomplished if a team of people served alongside me. My vision of gospel-sharing will take more than my computer and me. It will take lots of people to accomplish all that God's put in my heart. 

When we talk about a "team" to support, most people think first of donors, and, of course, I'll need financial participation if I'm to continue in this work. For two decades, I've funded most of my ministry efforts from my own pocket. Maybe we could accomplish more if we worked as a team instead of my ongoing "lone ranger" efforts. Those who give will be just as much a part of my team as the ones who help "in person". 

What I think of first as I consider building a team, though, is of people willing to give their time and prayers. When I host Bible studies, I'll need people to help serve. When I reach out into the community, I'll need others to come along and serve with me. When I try something different, I'll need people to cheer me along and help spread the word. 

We've learned about the procedures for having short-term mission groups visit our sites. As I listened, I pondered innovative new ways to incorporate those things into this ministry. 

Would you like to be a "digital missionary" for a day? That will be possible before long. 

What about a six-week stint as a digital mission intern? I'm envisioning way to make that possible.

The wonderful thing about reaching out to the digital world is that it's always changing, always expanding, always offering new ways to touch hearts and lives. I've gotten a glimpse of the possibilities and I'm full to the brim with ideas. 

Those ideas, however, are not about trying new techniques and seeing big numbers. The dreams I'm dreaming, the plans I'm planning are about the hearts of people who need Jesus, people who will perish in eternity without Him. It's about touching those believers who've lost their way, and encouraging them to encounter Christ in a fresh way.

When Jesus commanded us to make disciples as we go along, He expected us to use the tools within our reach to accomplish that commission. Every one of us have a portion of the world to which God has called us. Every one of us have tools within our reach to touch the world for Jesus. We're all supposed to be missionaries.

My little portion of the world is digital, my "tools" a computer and the internet, but you have a part of the world to touch and tools to use, too. 

Today, let's look at the Great Commission with fresh eyes and ask God what tools He wants us to use to reach the world for Christ.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Matthew 29:19 esv

______________

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's Guest Blogger post: Courtenay Folk: The Balancing Act

Here's the list to the worldwide prayer guide: The Prayer List

#greatcommission #missions #globaloutreach

The Teacakes that Changed the World

Friday Night Jam was great fun last night. Some of the people I love most in the world were there, and we had time to catch up a little. Conversation went pretty far afield, as was evident from the searches still open on my phone this morning. Breathalyzer calibration. How often to clean a Glock. Lottie Moon. 

I saw that odd combination and laughed. I'll save breathalyzer calibration and Glock maintenance for another day. Today, we're talking about Lottie Moon.

The picture is of my grandmother, Vera Benson Thaxton. She dearly loved Lottie Moon. In case you don't know, Lottie Moon was a missionary to China in the last 1800's. The Southern Baptist Christmas Mission offering is named after her.

My grandmother loved that mission offering. She saved "for Lottie Moon" all year long. Because every dollar goes to the missionaries, she felt like every cent she saved helped bring a child to Jesus. (And it does) 

Lottie Moon was mentioned so often when I was growing up that she seemed like a distant member of my family. Last night, I realized that not everyone's quite as familiar with her.

Lottie was born on a Virginia plantation in 1840 to wealthy parents. She was well educated, and worked as a teacher during the Civil War. In 1872, her sister, Edmonia, went to China as a missionary. The next year, Lottie joined her. Edmonia returned to the states because of illness, but Lottie continued as a missionary in China for 39 years. 

She learned the Chinese language, adopted the Chinese dress, and loved the Chinese people. She lived open-handed, ready to share with anyone in need. 

One of her best weapons of evangelism was home-baked teacakes. 

The aroma of baking cookies drifted out of her open door and drew the children to her. Their parents soon followed. The cookies gave her an opportunity to share Jesus, and hundreds of people came to Christ because of her efforts.

Lottie Moon was a pioneer in the missionary movement. She sent long, handwritten letters home, detailing her life as a missionary, and urged the people back home to share in her work through their resources. 

Her efforts resulted in the Lottie Moon Christmas offering, which has raised millions of dollars for direct support of missionaries. ($154 million in 2013 alone)

Lottie Moon, who died more than 100 years ago, had a profound impact on the missionary effort of her time. What amazes me is the reach her life still has. My grandmother was deeply impacted by the life of a woman she never knew, and, as a result, my life was impacted, as well.

I don't bake teacakes as an evangelism tool, but I've used everything from hot dogs roasted on an open fire to hayrides to children's games to create an opening to share Christ. 

Dr. Luke used his skill as a physician to support the apostle Paul. Peter used the skills he learned as a fisherman to fish for men. (Cast the net wide and keep pulling until you have the catch in the boat.) Matthew's skills in accounting and record-keeping, learned as a tax collector, helped him write a detailed account of Jesus' life.

One person, totally committed to Christ, can make a bigger, and longer-lasting, impact than we can possibly imagine.

Lottie changed the world with teacakes. 

You and I can be used to change the world, too, if we're willing. What has God placed in your hands that might open the door for someone to meet Christ? 

Today, let's open our hands and allow God to use all He's placed there to help bring a dark and lonely world to Christ. 

He might change the world through you, if you'll let Him.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
_______________
In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Next Steps in Discipleship
#disciple #missions #lottiemoon #Jesus

Just a Regular Person

Wow! They are so awesome! 

I could never do that. 

They must be just perfect people to be missionaries! 

And on and on in the same thread. I heard the Great Commission from Matthew 28: "Go and make disciples of all nations" often, and was glad to have met the people who did just that, because I knew it didn't mean me.

Those were my words and thoughts, maybe when I was aged 9 or maybe even 12. My family was one of those who went to church regularly, every time the doors were open. My brother and I were taken, not sent. From time to time we had visiting missionaries and if we were really lucky we got to host them for a meal or maybe even for a couple nights.

And now, I am a missionary. 

It is not something I ever planned, dreamed of, or even considered. I'm just a regular person, not overflowing with theology or words of ministry. I'm just me. 

I am not amazing and I'm far from being perfect, but God took my husband and me as we were, and molded our hearts to leave our security and normal lives. We each said "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8) and were ready to follow Him. And our lives changed in ways we never imagined!

Let me regress many years to early adulthood, nursing school, a full time job, a single life to live. It still included church and God, just not so regularly. 

Later on I was blessed to marry my wonderful husband and, together, our faith grew as we got more involved in church and in small groups. Life was good: we had stable jobs that we liked, travelled when possible, lived close to family and friends, and were completely content. 

We thought we were where we would stay until retirement.

God was watching just as He always is. I believe He was probably scheming, and maybe even chuckling, at the things we said. He knew what was next, and was slowly preparing us. We were totally unaware, just as anyone should be before any big surprise.

One Sunday someone announced a planning meeting for an upcoming mission trip, maybe to China. I was quite interested, since China was on my dream list, and a week or two sounded just right for a mission trip. China didn't work out for us that year, but we did get to go to Uganda. I was hooked then, and thought how great it would be if I could return yearly to show a relationship to the people. But no, that wasn't His plan, either. 

In the meantime, both of my parents passed away, and grief took a while to work through. The only true peace I had was knowing they were with Jesus, and I would get to see them again in Heaven. I know in my heart that God knew our bond, and His plan was to wait until they were both gone to ask me to go.

Time went on, we continued in our normal activities of life, I went on a couple more short term mission trips to various places, while Rick had no desire to go at all. Until... I was finally going to get to go to China and, through works of God, Rick felt led to go, too. The trip was only a month or so away, and was a bit expensive for something so sudden. 

I had been saving for an Alaskan cruise for our 10th anniversary. We felt the mission trip would be a better reason to use the money. (I have never been on that cruise, and my heart still yearns for the opportunity, but I have accepted that I likely never will.) We went, joining a group from Memphis, to give medical/nursing care, veterinary care, and do some agricultural work, all the while looking for openings to share God's word and love. 

China is not a Christian nation and it is not legal to worship God, even in a private home. We knew going in that the almost 1,000 Bibles in Chinese that we took in would be confiscated if found, but the way was clear when we entered the country.

While in China Rick and I worked in different locations and barely saw each other the entire time. As we got into the van to take us to the first airport, we each told the other that we needed talk. 

God had convicted both of us to give our lives completely to Him, and go on the mission field full time. It was such a certainty to us that, in His still, small voice, He called, and we answered yes. He didn't take us to China. He did a bit of a bait and switch, and led us to Nicaragua, a country we love so much.

So, we are just normal people, living in a country we love, serving a God we love, speaking a language we can't completely master, and wearing the title of missionaries. 

We rejoice daily that we were called to step out of the boat, sell everything, and move to this poverty stricken country to share His love in everything we say and do. 

We must ask for donations to support us, live in a house without air conditioning, survive without a microwave, experience cultures that seem odd to us, have water, electricity, and Internet sometimes but we wouldn't have it any other way. 

God is love, He is good, He has his eyes on us always, and we pray that we are just where He wants us to be for the rest of our lives. 

John 15:16 says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last." That is our goal, the Bible verse that defines our mission here in Nicaragua.

__________

Mary (a registered nurse), and her husband, Rick Irvin (a veterinarian) live and serve Christ in Nicaragua. For more information, comment below or message me. 

#misssions #disciple, MaryRickIrvin, Nicaragua