Missions

As Christ-followers, we are commanded to share our faith with everyone in the world, starting with the people closest to us, all the way to the farthest corners of the world. If you’re familiar with the Bible, you might recognize the phrase “The Great Commission.” The Great Commission is the last order Christ gave to His disciples as He ascended back into heaven.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

This is what Christ-followers were left here to do. I am privileged to know many people who have answered God’s call to leave their home and families behind and travel to distant countries where they face persecution and danger just for believing in Christ. And I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to play a role in their ministries in many different ways.

Jim and Shelley Dinsmore – Peten, Guatemala

I grew up with Jim Dinsmore. We graduated from high school the same year, and I always knew that he would be a missionary. He met Shelley at college (she’s even more awesome than he is), and they have three beautiful children. They have a flourishing ministry to the Kekchi, the indiginous people of northern Guatemala.

I’ve been able to visit them three times and have had the opportunity to help them put on wordless skits and even Christmas and Easter dramas. I kept journals the whole time I was there, and you can find those here.

Brittni Poore – A Place of Hope Nigeria

Brittni Poore is another person I grew up with, but she’s a bit younger than me. As far back as I can remember, she has always had a love for children. A few years ago, she got the chance to spend some time at an orphanage in Nigeria, and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was called to stay there. But financially it wasn’t possible at the time. So she had to come back to the States where she spent the next three years dedicated to waiting for God’s permission (and provision) to return. He granted both. I am planning a trip to go visit Brittni and do whatever she needs me to do.

Katie Morford – Operation Mobilisation Europe (Carlisle, England)

Katie is my best friend. She’s the other half of my brain. And she had the awesome opportunity to serve as OM’s director of communication for Europe this past year. Depending on what God provides, she may be staying longer. She’s still waiting to find out. She gets to travel to many different countries throughout Europe and report on what local missionaries are up to and how their supporters can help. I got to visit Katie in the summer of 2013.

My hope is that I will be able to visit all these folks again and even more around the world as the Lord opens doors and provides the finances to do so. No matter who you are or what you do, you have the opportunity to help a missionary somewhere, and it doesn’t have to be financial. Even if you take the time to email them and let them know that you’re praying for them, they appreciate it more than you can know.

And if you have a gift that God has given you, there’s a good chance you can use it to help reach others for Him. You just have to figure out how.