Disclaimer: I am by no means an expert on what this blog post is about. I am merely a believer sharing my opinion.
I am writing this post today following a recent discussion. I have been asked: Why did you go to Bulgaria on a mission trip when there are people in the United States that need to be 'missioned' to? That question felt like a punch in the stomach. Why does it matter where I went on a mission trip? Shouldn't you be glad that I went on a mission trip? That I reached out to other believers and non-believers? That I worked hard to earn the money that I used to pay for that trip? I have a feeling this is the same way adoptive parents going through international adoption feel when they get asked: Why not adopt a child from America when there are plenty of homeless children here?
What Is the Definition of Mission?
According to Dictionary.com:
- a group or committee of persons sent to a foreign country to conduct negotiations, establish relations, provide scientific and technical assistance, or the like.
- the business with which such a group is charged
- any important task or duty that is assigned, allotted, or self-imposed
- an important goal or purpose that is accompanied by strong conviction; a calling or vocation
- a sending or being sent for some duty or purpose
- those sent
What Does the Bible Say About Mission?
And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." -Mark 16:15
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! -Psalm 96:3
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. -Matthew 28:19
What is Mission to Me?
To me, mission can be a lot of things. It can be as simple as day to day life. It can be as difficult as leaving everything you know to move to a foreign country for good to give your life to God. Mission is all about what God has called you to do for His glory. Some of us may see clearly what our mission is or we may wait our whole lives to find it. For example, I feel that God has called me to be a special education teacher in order to do mission for Him to love on as many children as I can. I truly feel that every day of my life is to glorify Him. God has given me this mission and I accept it and use it. Do I fail? Of course. Do I glorify Him every day? No, but I try my best. However, I should not be satisfied by this mission. I should continue to search and find other missions. Do I think that I need to do a mission within my community beyond teaching? Of course! I need to do a lot more than I do. Instead of casting judgment on others missions let us be happy that we are glorifying His great name.
"So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn by what he approves." -Romans 14:22
Why Bulgaria?
- I felt called to go on this mission trip to Bulgaria.
- I went on this trip for selfless and selfish reasons. I went with a group of people that I knew would lead me closer to Christ. I went with the intentions of being brought to the cross. I went with the intentions of helping Bulgarians come to Christ. I went to step out of my comfort zone and experience a new place.
- Going on this mission trip has been something I have wanted to do since Ben and Cassidy started this mission. However, I have only recently been able to afford to pay for it myself.
- I have never been on a mission trip before and I felt that this is where God wanted me to start.
There is something different about going on a mission trip outside of the United States. Should everyone go to a foreign country? No, of course not. Jesus will lead you to do the mission He wants you to do. However, there is something special about the minimal communication that you can have with people different from yourself. It can be frustrating, but oh it can be rewarding. Can you imagine how much more positive and sweet your conversations would be day to day if all you could say was hello, I love you, and God Bless You? Well, I think it would make the world a better place.
Please give me feedback to this post.
I would love to know what your opinion on mission is.
