You don't have to be a missionary...

to serve the Lord. I think this is a very common mistake that a lot of people make...you are only truly giving your life to God if you are a missionary. I think that's crap.

In fact, this idea actually kinda makes me angry. First, because I know missionaries that aren't in it for serving the Lord. Let's be honest, in the Christian world, missions is glamorous. Other people supporting you so you can do what you want. Getting to travel the world, do things most people can only dream about...its not all that bad a gig. Now, as a full time missionary, I am fully aware of all the struggles and heartache that follow as well. But, that only follows the people that are really seeking to serve the Lord. It's unfortunate, but true...you can be a full time missionary and not really seek the Lord. Instead, you seek excitement and glory. Its no different than being a Christian singer. Plenty of them do it for the glory of God; and plenty do it for the glory of themselves.

I am tired of missionaries looking at support raising as "money raising". I need money to do what I want, and it is your Christian duty (as a less committed Christian, of course, because you aren't doing the hard work that I am) to support me. Do you ever feel like that? I really hope that I have never made my supporters feel like that, because that's not how I see it at all. But again, I know several missionaries that do.

Here is my perspective:

God is calling ALL of His people together to change the world. He wants hearts turned over to Him, and He is not going to stop until every knee bows and every tongue confesses. He wants me to be a part of that. He wants you to be a part.

I will use the example of my friend Catherine here to illustrate my point. Catherine is the reason I am a believer. She was bold and strong enough to share Christ with me when I didn't want to listen. Her parents took me to church and youth group every week until God broke through the thick wall around my heart and revealed himself to me.

Catherine is married with a BEAUTIFUL son and living in a nice home in Florida. She lives a very comfortable life. And, she is changing the world. She is changing Kensington. Not just with her financial contributions, but with her heart for the Lord. I have seen God do incredible things in Kensington, and she has been an integral part.

Do I love the Lord more than she does because I live in Kensington? Does the size or location of her home disqualify her from serving the Lord?

Or, does the Lord call people to suburbia? If He calls people to the ends of the earth...could that, maybe, include the wealthy as well as the poor? Could it be, and maybe I'm stretching a bit here, that God cares about ALL people, no matter their financial status? Just a thought...

I seem to remember the Apostles thinking salvation was only for the Jews, until God came in and showed them that salvation was for all. Did I make that up?

When I search the scriptures, I find tons of people that Paul and the Apostles meet along their way...people that supported them in every way...financially, emotionally and spiritually. They weren't traveling with the Apostles, but they were following God.

I could not survive on the mission field without Catherine, and so many others. They are an integral part of the body. I may be the hands and feet, but I would literally not know what to do without them seeking the Lord and providing me support and guidance. My supporters are the heart.

So, I guess I just want you all to know...whether you are upper, middle or lower class, or something in between; if you love the Lord, then I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. I am honored and humbled to be counted along side you as members of God's family; those chosen to share His truth and know His heart. Thank you for taking your place in the body...I would be useless without you.


(**Disclaimer...for those that pursue wealth above all, then you do have something to worry about. If your desire is wealth, you will be sorely disappointed. However, if your desire is God, and wealth has been one of God's blessings in your life...and why not, God did it for Job...then Praise the Lord!!)