Between our various conferences and training sessions, summer is always an extremely busy time at the ABWE headquarters. It is during this time that I have the opportunity to meet many interesting people who, although on similar paths, often span the gamut in missions experience. For some journeyers, this is the beginning of their indescribable expedition into the missions field. For others, the impact for the Kingdom is long established through their twenty, thirty, or even forty years of missionary service. Regardless of where these people are on their paths, one thing is clear: Their journeys begin with a series of important decisions.
1. I must love God more than missions.
Much more than energy or passion, my activity must be sourced by my love for God alone. It is way too easy to be driven by excitement or anticipation, rather than by love for my Savior. Evaluate yourself. Is God all that you are living for or are you more stoked about missions itself?
2. I must serve.
One of the greatest ways you can prepare for the field is by getting involved right now. Make sure you are connected with a growing, dynamic local church where you can serve and grow. As I talked this week with a missionary from Ghana, he challenged, “If you aren’t evangelizing, discipling, and loving people at home, you definitely won’t do it on the field.” Service at a local church allows you to serve today and prepare for tomorrow.
3. I must set myself up for service.
Flippant choices can kill opportunities for a career in missions later. Ask yourself some questions:
“What classes should I take?”
Take time to think through how God has gifted and impassioned you. Allow your education to provide a solid biblical foundation as well as develop certain skills that you will practically use/need on the field. If you are not sure what gifts you have, ask for close friends, family, and church leadership to share what they see in you. Have fun in college, but make sure the time and resources you spend are productive in preparing you for the field.
“How much debt do I have?”
One hurdle many missions-minded students face is the area of student loans and personal debt. Repaying student loans can seriously delay making it to the field. Spend some time researching ways to avoid loans. Look into scholarship programs, grants, or work. Do not let debt detour you from departing for the mission field.
“Whom should I marry?”
Make sure you and your potential spouse are on the same page. If your significant other is not being led into missions, beware. Do not be afraid to cut someone loose. Remember, God’s ways are best.
4. I must be aware.
Look for ways to connect with and serve international students on your campus or community today. Get to know them. Seek to understand their way of life. Their experiences and guidance can help expand your knowledge and enhance your cultural IQ. God may use them to help grow a burden or confirm a location of future service.
5. I must pray.
Prayer is crucial. Remember to continually commit your ways to the Lord and ask for His best. Do not settle for good opportunities; strive after His best. Pray for wisdom. When He leads or directs, simply obey.
A career in missions can be one of the most rewarding, impactful ways to spend your life. Don’t let your decisions keep you from God’s best. The missionaries I’ve interacted with didn’t have a foolproof plan, they just made wise decisions. Successful steps toward the field do not begin when you graduate: They begin TODAY!
If you have questions or want to know how ABWE’s Student Mobilization Department can assist you, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit our site for more information: IMPACT website.
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