Missional Confession

Hey, how about that title? I think it makes sense, but I'm just a little sleep-deprived (up at 3:30 Sunday morning with Rob, and then up most of last night thanks to the ferocious storm in our area. Though, glad we got the weather and not Haiti!)

Anyway, back to the post...

Two weeks ago, missionary work was not really on my radar. Our daughter, adopted from China five years ago, is our "missionary project." (That's a joke...) My husband always wanted to participate in short-term missions, but I just couldn't see us as a missionary family.

I didn't really understand how making bead bracelets with tribal women could make a difference. I could have understood, but honestly, I just went the "I'm not gonna sit in the dirt and make bracelets" route, and bought a bracelet to "help." I pushed it out of my mind without really considering the heart of the work.

God, of course, has ways of opening our eyes. This week, with my husband in Haiti, I'm learning a lot about my misinformed self. First, missionaries are just regular old people - well, maybe not regular. It takes a huge heart to become a missionary. I used to think they were a different breed, not sure exactly, but somewhere outside the regular flow of society. (Don't throw tomatoes at the screen... I'm just being honest.)

Missionaries are CALLED to do the work they do. It's not just a job. It's not just an adventure. It's an incredible, passionate heart desire to touch the hearts of hurting, lost people somewhere out in the world. It's a drive - coming from deep within - to use skills, talent, passion, gifting to touch broken hearts and offer the healing love of Jesus.

I used to think that my contributions to my local church was enough. Not sure exactly why I thought that... It's not like my few dollars each month could actually support a mission project (if it's all someone has to give, that's one thing. But my family could do more, and I know it). Really, mission work is costly. To work in third world countries or remote areas, missionaries need supplies. Those supplies aren't readily available at the local Lowe's or Target. No. Those supplies have to be shipped in. Expensive!

My husband's trip is largely being funded by the NC Baptist Men (http://ncmissions.org). To travel requires plane fare to the Dominican Republic and back, bus expenses for travel to Haiti, food, medical supplies (some generously donated, but the need is far greater than the donations), insurance. We are fortunate. Since he is a physician, we can afford the cost of that plane ticket without destroying the budget. Most in missions don't have such a good "regular" job here at home.

My eyes are wide open now. I don't know the next step for our family. I think God is okay with us getting through my husband's first trip before we make any more decisions. (Not to mention, my husband and I are only communicating through another traveler's twitter. Not the best venue for deep conversation.)

I do know that I appreciate mission work in a new way. I know my prayers for missionaries won't be the surface prayers I've offered in the past. Whatever God has for us next, I look forward to it. Adventure, sacrifice, opportunity to change lives. Whatever it is, we will go where He sends us. We will do what He asks.

Thank you, God, for your patience with me. Thank you, for the opportunity to make a difference today in Haiti. Thank you, for the great commission. I understand "Go into all the world..." now (or at least I'm beginning to). I look forward to the plans you have for us, whatever they are!