I have never taught before. I do not speak any other languages. I have never been outside my home country. I have never led a Bible study before. I am very shy and do not like being in front of people.
Can you identify with any of these statements?
Having worked in the recruitment department for several years now, I have heard all these and more. Reasons we feel inadequate. Reasons we would not make good missionaries. We want to serve God and feel that call to missions, but we compare ourselves to others and seem to fall short.
We see that guy who has grown up in the church, who goes on short-term mission trips with his youth group, and often preaches at church when the pastor is gone, and we think, “Missions is perfect for him!” Or the girl who is great with children and always helps with the children’s Sabbath school or Vacation Bible School. She radiates joy and draws others to her, and you think, She should think about being a missionary!
Then you think: But me? No, I would not make a good missionary. I do not . . . (fill in the blank).
Consider this quote by Ellen White:
“Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, that works for the salvation of souls” (The Desire of Ages, 347.3).
God made us each unique, with our own personalities, skills and life experiences. That uniqueness is why we are ALL called to missions. Everyone is needed, and everyone has something to offer. We are not comparing ourselves with others, but using our differences for God’s glory. By living a Christlike life and sharing our unique testimony with others, we can work for the salvation of souls.
Unsure where to begin? Start with your local church, getting involved in the service and with community outreach. Start your own ministry. Seek short-term mission opportunities. Take a gap year and become a student missionary.
Impressed to do more? Consider becoming a career missionary and allowing God to use your experiences and individuality in long-term ministry. For more information, contact us at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.
