Missions is What You Make It
by Kaci Lane Hindman
What first comes to mind when you hear the word missions? Most of you probably picture people ministering to the hungry and homeless in a Third World country. And, if you had asked me this question a few years ago, I would have said the same. In fact, I actually felt guilty having not gone on an actual missions trip, which I thought required a passport and people who don’t primarily speak English.
But, what if I told you that missions is whatever you make it? As long as you share the love of Christ to others needing to hear His message of hope, you are doing missions. Feel relieved? I know I did once God showed me this truth about ministering to others.
But how do you know what type of missions work is right for you? Of course you should do what you feel God leading you to do for Him. However, we know that He oftentimes wants us to take the initiative and start stepping out in faith while He is working in us and through us. The following tips will help you discover the type of missions work in which you will best serve others:
Use your passions: What drives you? If you enjoy something, thinking or talking about it often, use that knowledge by helping others in that area. Do you enjoy sports? Volunteer at a local gym or school helping children of any age interact with others and gain confidence through sports. Or maybe you love fashion. Then, organize a clothing drive for those less fortunate or donate an old bridesmaid dress for a girl who cannot afford a prom dress. Maybe you can use your professional experience to help prepare other women for job interviews. You can use the everyday actions in your life to help others.
Use your talents: What do you naturally do well? Maybe you bake like Betty Crocker (instead of using Betty Crocker like I do). Consider a meal ministry. You could bake dishes or desserts for a family going through a hard time or for the local hospice. When someone is in hospice care, his or her family usually stays around the clock and would gladly welcome homemade meals.
Maybe you are great with budgeting expenses and saving money. Mentor young adults and newly married couples on responsible financial habits. You could even help those currently in debt and wanting to break free to become good stewards of their money.
Use your experiences: What have you struggled with or endured in life? Anything from substance abuse to self-confidence issues cause fear and defeat in people’s lives. Maybe your parents went through a messy divorce or one of them died when you were young. Use your experience to mentor someone younger living in a single-parent home. Maybe you know what it feels like to lose your job. Minister to others going through the same difficulties, showing them that God is still there, and better days will come.
Use your environment: What needs seem evident in your community? Look for needs around your workplace, church family, neighborhood, and even farther. If you live in a large city, gangs and crime may be a big issue needing to be addressed. In a rural area, young people just want something to do. Get with others to start community events for safe, fun alternatives to other activities.
By going through these same points, I discovered the two missions areas I currently serve: literacy education and self-acceptance for young women. For example, I am passionate about health, reading, and writing. My talents include communicating both through written means and verbally.
As for experience, I work as an editor and writer and studied journalism and English in college. I also dealt with an eating disorder for many years. I grew up in a small town where many people did not get the chance to finish their education. I now live in a college town with many young girls facing the same insecurities I once faced. As a result, I now tutor GED candidates and others in reading and writing. I also speak with young women about eating disorders and self-esteem.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Remember, God not only needs people at the ends of earth, but everywhere. So start sharing the gospel in your Jerusalem today!
Kaci Lane Hindman works as the production editor for The University of Alabama Press. She enjoys reading, writing, running, and working out. In Dying to Be Thin, Kaci used her writing skills to share her story of struggling with anorexia and how she found hope in the one true hope—God—when every other effort of recovery failed. To learn more about Kaci and how to contact her, visit www.kacilane.com.
My Mission for the Week...
Use every opportunity during your week to share the word of God and you have done missions! It doesn't require a passport to be a missionary! Share at Wal-Mart by offering a kind word, invite a friend to church, minister to the hurt by using scripture and your testimony...Remind your children that school is a one, big mission field!
...Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!' John 4:35b
The Standridge sisters of Garden City, South Carolina, have been singing and playing musical instruments with their parents since they were preschoolers. Carter Ann is 18 and Oliver is 15. Oliver said, “My music keeps me grounded in the Lord. I think we should all keep focused on what we are supposed to do and not let other kids influence us in the wrong way.”
Brooke Cason of Aragon, Georgia, sings with her family group, New Desire. She juggles many duties as wife to Labron, mother to Caleb, singer, book author, and women’s conference speaker. But her favorite title is Christian.
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