What I’ve Learned As a Missionary (So Far)
Posted by C. Holland on Apr 03, 2009The one thing I consistently heard from missionary presentations at my church back in the States, regardless of their specific field, is that you may think you’re going to change an area for God, but most always you are the one being changed. Because it came up so much, I pretty much expected this going into missions full-time. And I am changed, just not the way I expected. Here are some of my thoughts:
- No matter how much you prepare, there is always more to learn.
- Even with the best of intentions, you are bound to make mistakes.
- You have to be flexible (of course, still keeping God’s law).
- God builds His church, not programmes, or formulas, or trends.
- Interpretations of what a missionary is/does is highly dependent on personal opinion.
- Who supports you (either financially or emotionally), and who does not, will always surprise you.
- I had no idea how much the culture I was in (the States) shaped my view/interpretation/execution of Christianity.
- I had no idea how much different parts of the States shapes other American missionaries’ view/interpretation/execution of Christianity.
- You can live quite happily without the things you thought you needed (but it does take time to adjust).
- A couple of years in the mission field is actually very, very short; most fields need considerably longer dedication to see any results.
- It’s one of the most extreme faith exercises I’ve ever experienced. But it’s worth it.
Related posts:
- The Double Life of The Missionary
The “Just Be Yourself” Paradox
Is Evangelicalism Uniquely American?
Missionary Confidential by Email
April 28th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I have enjoyed reading your posts, especially the one about the questions you should ask yourself before you go full time into the mission field. I still have years to go before I am ready for that (God has called me into missions in Mexico, but I am only 17) but it was a real eye opener and definitely very helpful. God Bless!
April 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Hi Stacy, glad to hear it was of help to you. God Bless as you seek His will for Your life; He will direct you!