Serving Our Communities with Love and Thoughtfulness

As Christians we should always pursue a missions lifestyle. This means we should constantly be on the move for God. A missions lifestyle does not always require one to move to foreign lands. God will often send His people to reach those in their own backyard. However, one must have the patience and trust to adhere to God’s instructions. God calls His people to their own special tasks based on their skill set. Essentially, a missions lifestyle is one where people live to serve their community and world as a disciple of Christ.

I am still growing in my relationship with the Lord and praying that He will continue to shape me into a “missions-minded” individual. I pray that He will shape me into someone who is quick to meet the needs of those around me while sharing the powerful gospel message.

God challenges me daily to come out of my comfort zone and share His word. At first, it felt nerve-wracking to walk up to someone that I did not know and start building connections with them. Now, I notice a renewed spirit inside me that does not want anyone to go through life without Christ when I have the opportunity to reach out.

With that renewed spirit, I want to encourage anyone reading this to truly reflect on their relationship (or lack thereof) with God and make a conscious effort to always give more of yourself for the furtherance of God’s kingdom. Because no matter your age, gender, or race, you can always make a difference in someone’s life.

Although COVID-19 protocols and regulations hindered possible missions trips, they did not completely limit me from being able to experience missions.

In December 2021, I had the opportunity to reach people of various ages through the Tree of Angels. This missions experience was made possible by my Acteens leader, Mrs. Linda, who coordinated with a wide range of ministries in our area. This included, but was not limited to, the Calvary Refuge Shelter, Fayette Samaritans, Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, and the Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center. We also made sure to address the needs of those in the church or anyone that directly communicated with the church.

The following Sunday morning, we greeted and directed church members to a table that was set up with a small Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was decorated with paper ornaments. Each ornament was coded with a specific ministry and accompanied with items the particular ministry needed. People had the opportunity to choose an ornament of their liking to purchase or acquire the requested items for the specific ministry.

As I assisted people, I made a point to encourage them to approach finding these gifts with the same love that God bestowed when sending His son Jesus to die for us.

Fortunately, I was able to choose my own ornament. The one I chose was for a 5- to 6-year-old-girl. I was so excited to have the opportunity to make a trip to a local store to shop in the toy section for something I knew would put a smile on any little girl’s face. While shopping, I felt a wave of nostalgia and joy. I chose a baby doll, a kids’ coloring book, and a box of crayons.

Even though I did not have the chance to directly minister to the people being represented by the ministries, I was able to put forth the love and thoughtfulness that God gifted me with into my Christmas gift for the young girl. It warms my heart to know that there is a possibility that my gift may have changed that little girl’s life. I would be content if the gift brought a sense of joy to her knowing that she was not forgotten that holiday and that she is loved. I look forward being a part of this missions experience in the years to come.

Without a doubt, Christians should always live on mission. Just as God called Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5, He has called His people and set them aside for a purpose in this world.

When you give your life to Christ, you choose to surrender your own worldly desires and take on the plans God has for you. God will call some people to missions overseas and even places where spreading the Christian faith is dangerous. On the other hand, being on mission can be as simple as inviting a classmate to church.

Whatever your missions experience(s) may look like, it is important to prepare your heart and mind with prayer. I have prepared the following prayer prompts that will help you as you navigate missions.

Dear God, thank You for Your strength. I will need it as I minister to those I meet. I pray that Your power, alone, will fill me and help me through each day.

Dear God, as I go on mission, I pray that I will shine as a light for You. Thank You for your Word of Life.

Dear God, thank You for calling me to a life of missions. I pray that You will use me for the glory of Your kingdom.

Dear God, I pray for good health as You lead me through unknown waters. I pray that You will protect me from any sickness and germs.

Dear God, I pray that You will open the hearts of those that I am called to minister to. I pray that they will come to know You as I know You, Lord.