How I Know I Am Called

"When I was [insert activity] God spoke to me and said, 'I am sending you to [insert people group/nation].'" That was the format I heard from many missionaries growing up in the church. For a long time I believed if I was called into full time ministry, that's what it would look like: God calling me to a particular place or people group for an extended period of time. When I was in youth group, they used to have a gathering called Called Convention. It was catered to youths who were "called into full-time ministry, part-time ministry, or didn't know, but wanted to explore that option". I always fell into the 'unknown' column. I'd never heard God's voice like that and could never say with certainty that I was called into full-time ministry. My idea of full-time ministry looked like becoming a pastor and being tied to a set location for decades. That didn't appeal to me at all and I knew it would take an act of God for that to happen. I've had people tell me that I am 'anointed' or that 'God's calling was on my life', but I never knew how to act upon that. I just read the Bible and tried to live it out and share it with people around me. For awhile, I wrestled with the question, "Am I called to be a missionary or do I just enjoy traveling?" STORY TIME Back in 2016, I was burnt out from work. I desperately needed a vacation and to get out of the rut I found myself in. So I took my first solo trip out of the country to Japan. It's still one of my fondest memories. I traveled all over the country for eighteen days, taking the train to wherever it would take me and having all kinds of adventures with people I met along the way. At the end of the trip that, I knew I wanted something more than to travel for my own pleasure. Even though I immensely enjoyed it, I knew in the long term to travel for my own gratification at it's core would be devoid of meaning. I wanted to travel with a Christ-centered purpose and not a self-centered purpose. And I saw no greater purpose than traveling to carry out The Great Commission. PRESENTLY Currently, I am reading a book called "The Indigenous Church" by Melvin L. Hodges. It was sent to me by the Assemblies of God when I was approved to be a Missionary Associate. As I'm reading it, it's reinforcing a lot of the things I've learned about missions work and giving valuable, practical guidance in administration and application of God's Word.

The main objective of a missionary is to "work themselves out of a job". It's not to be the main leader or to make all weighty decisions of the church. It's to empower the church to to be self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting.

"When pioneering a new area, a missionary's first and most important ministry is planting churches. The missionary must be an evangelist to the lost and a teacher to spiritual newborns. Instead of settling down to pastor the first group of believers he raises up, he should remain mobile and keep the vision for the entire district. As a sort of circuit rider, he will visit towns and villages in the district when favorable circumstances give him opportunity." - pages 52-53

To some that image of ministry may feel daunting, but to me it speaks to my soul. To hop from place to place encouraging the church and teaching the Bible is a life giving activity for me. I know in my bones I was designed to be a missionary and it is irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) Even now I wrestle with restlessness. I desire to go to Germany and work with people I have never met. I want to work alongside the German believers, to learn their culture, and see the new life that comes from knowing Jesus. But I know God has me here in the states for a purpose and a season. Maybe it's because he wants me to share that desire with others so they too can know how God is moving in other areas of the world. SEEKING PARTNERS Even though I may travel to some places by myself or with a handful of people, I am by no means called to do this alone. Many time I've heard, "Man, I could never do what you do." Not everyone is called to cross oceans to share the gospel. I've heard it put that succinctly that every believer in Jesus Christ is called to go, to send, or both. 1. Prayer I am creating a Facebook group that will be designed to share additional stories from the field and how the body of believers can be praying for me. If you would like to be a part, ask and I will add you to the private group. 2. Financial Support. If you want to partner with me financially in order to send me to Germany, my missions account (tax-deductible), you can give here. 3. Share the News. I'm looking to share about my mission and seek those who are looking to partner with me. If you know of any small groups, churches, or people that are looking to financially support the spread of the gospel in Europe, any introductions provided or invitations to share are appreciated. Marantha.