And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 (ESV)
When I was growing up in Southeast Texas, one of the things I remember vividly was missionary visits to our church. As a church, we supported a number of missionaries all around the world. At least several times a year, our Sunday night service was a visit from a missionary. They would show pictures from their area of service, describe what it was like, let us see items from those far away cultures, and ask for our prayer and financial support.
Those far away places captured my attention and stuck in my brain far more than the hundreds of Sunday sermons I heard.
Still, some of the most fascinating people I know have heard a call from God to the mission field. Some of them are serving and sharing here in the United States and some are scattered around the world.
Our current church is also very mission-minded. We support missionaries all around the world. People who are living the words of Jesus. They go and impact people in foreign cultures. They live in the United States and pour themselves into sharing the love of Jesus with people around them through local missions and non-profit organizations. I hope my kids are building a collection of amazing memories of the missionaries who come to visit our church too.
Many churches and organizations offer short-term missions trips for people who not called full-time to missions but would like to help out.
Will we go ourselves? Will our money and prayers send others? Who does your local church send? Are you praying for the missionaries you know about? Are you going to those around you?
Here are some of the missions I find inspiring. I would love to hear from you about others from you in the comments.
Pamoja Ministries (Africa)
This missions organization has been around for more than 20 years. They have a unique mission to produce media that shares the gospel and disciples children and new Christians. I have met Jacob and Kim Mills, part of the team at Pamoja in Africa and was very impressed with them.
Ping-Yu Home of Hope Orphanage (China)
Sometimes, sharing God’s love with others is less about preaching and more about being hands to hold and opening a home to children without one. Ben and Michelle Goddard are raising and loving a very LARGE family of children in China because they are needed. They are a living extension of the love and joy of God. I have met them and their whole family is amazing.
Adonai International Ministries (Guatemala)
AIM has a number of ways in which they help the people of Guatemala, including medical, aviation, education, child sponsorship, and the support of widows. I know about it through knowing Ryan and Katie Ficker, who are a part of the team. I have also heard of their wonderful work through our church.
Andy and Karyn Pricer (Mexico)
I grew up with Andy and Karyn Pricer at that missions-minded church in Southeast Texas. They are talented and committed to raising up disciples and sharing the gospel. They work with FIRE International Ministries in Guadalajara.
Amazon Outreach (Peru)
Our pastor and his wife recently returned from working with David and LaRae Pepper in Peru. David has visited our church numerous times and is full of adventure, life and a strong calling to GO into all the world and preach the gospel.
Dominic Russo
Inspiring and impressive, Dominic and Lindsay Russo are young but they have already accomplished more than some missionaries do in a lifetime of ministry. Their 1Nation1Day campaign allows ordinary people to be involved in millions of people being reached with the gospel. Lindsay has established Angel House, to provide for orphans and fight human trafficking. We have met Dominic and Lindsay through our church and love hearing updates on their incredible ministry. Check it out!
Joshua’s Great Things (United States)
I know the Brown family personally and loved Joshua. This family and organization are doing awesome work to reach and help the families of children with brain cancer. They are also doing great things to raise money for research to find a cure.
We can support these (and other) wonderful missions in prayer and with finances or “go” ourselves. We can take short-term or long-term missions trips. We can impact the community we live in right here.
I know people who take coins and laundry detergent to laundromats to share the love of our Savior through the practical help of clean clothes. Others go to a grocery store and offer to help the elderly or overwhelmed with loading and unloading their purchases. Still others ice down a case of water bottles and give them out at their local park with a message of “Jesus loves you!” or an invitation to church. Some even make up bags of practical items and keep them in their cars to give to homeless people on the side of the road. The potential for acts of service that open a door to sharing the gospel is endless.
The important thing is that we obey the mandate of Jesus and “GO!”
Action Step: Take just a moment and look up some of the missions organizations above. Or, plan a family service project for today or this weekend. Let’s take action this week to help spread the gospel right here and around the world.
Dear God, It amazes me that you entrust the gospel with us. Help us to obey your instructions to go into all the world. Lead and guide us into where our actions and support will make the most impact for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.