That is missions. Taking the Gospel to every corner of the globe while drawing ever closer to the Lord of that Gospel.
Silk Road Mission exists to identify, connect, and support Gospel Workers to the peoples of the Silk Road. It’s my ambition to see a new generation of missionaries raised up to take the name of Jesus Christ to places He has not been named. His name will one day be praised by every tribe and tongue. I want to be a part of what the Lord is doing and I hope you do too.
This is the final post in our series that has laid out the life cycle of missionary service. Whether you are simply exploring the idea or have already chosen an agency, these posts are meant to encourage and inform you. Let me know below if they helped in anyway!
This final article is different from the others. We will be discussing three different topics below. Let’s dive into fatigue, opposition, and finally going!
Preparation Fatigue
This series has led prospective missionaries through nine steps of preparation that I believe are essential to mission service. There are some topics we didn’t dive into that we will in future articles (support raising, training, and more networking). For some, these steps will have taken a few months while for others it could be a matter of years. That must be tough to hear especially for those just starting out. It can lead to a preparation fatigue found in many would-be missionaries. I felt it and many I know on the field said they have felt it too.
My advice is to push through until you are pretty much ready to go. Then, with every thing secured and in place, take a couple weeks to rejuvenate and praise God. I know some would say that taking mini-vacations during your prep time is okay (and it is!) but think of how much you’ll be able to actually relax knowing that everything is in place. To each their own but that sounds much nicer to me.
Either way, rest is an essential aspect of life and following the Lord that should not be neglected. Don’t start your race already fatigued.
IN the Face of Opposition
Acts chapter 13 details the sending of Saul of Tarsus (called Paul by then), Barnabas, and John Mark from Antioch to the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean Sea. The first part of the chapter explains that they were set aside by the Holy Spirit for the work ahead of them. Then the church at Antioch obeys God and sends them off.
This is an important point. If you have made it this far in the process then your calling has been confirmed by many different people. Your family, friends, community, church, and pastor have all agreed that you should go to the mission field. Just like the early missionaries from Antioch you are being sent out. This moment should be bitter sweet. Bitter because you love the ones you’re leaving behind. Sweet because you’re excited for the future endeavor before you. If there are any unresolved conflicts with family or friends then my advice is to work them out as best you can. Leaving on a positive note is important.
First thing after leaving Antioch, the trio land at Cyprus and face their first opposition. It didn’t take long! I firmly believe this was to demonstrate a truth about missions that can either be easily overlooked or over-represented by self-interested parties. That truth is simple: missions is warfare. Contrary to what many in the Hindu and Islamic world believe missionaries are not spies sent by foreign powers to weaken those communities. However, there will be opposition to what we’re doing because we are at war. Paul says it best in Ephesians 6:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The people’s living in darkness are not our enemies however that doesn’t mean that they won’t oppose us. Jesus told us that men loved the darkness rather than the light. You have undertaken a great task to take the Gospel to those living under the yoke of Satan. The king of this world will not retreat so easily. Expect opposition and pray for the strength to overcome.
Ready, Set…
You have all the right documents and visas? Good. Said your goodbyes? I know it was hard, good job. Any important vaccinations done? Cool. Your personal inventory of items has been reduced, recycled, sold, and other wise cut down? Awesome, that’s going to help more than you realize. Plane tickets bought? Remember to check in early!
The time has come. You are officially at the starting line. Regardless of how long the last nine steps took you are here now. Take a moment to thank the Lord and praise Him for His faithfulness. You’ve already come a long way and there is more to come. You’re going to face trials like you wouldn’t believe, you’ll see wonderful sights that won’t do pictures any justice, you’ll meet the most amazing people and become fast friends, you’ll meet the most depraved people and see the darkness that lives in every human heart, God will move in ways you didn’t know He could and save people you didn’t think He would, and He will pull you even closer to Himself as you rely on Him every step of the way. That is missions. Taking the Gospel to every corner of the globe while drawing ever closer to the Lord of that Gospel.
I’ll end this series of “10 Steps to Becoming a Missionary” with two important things. First, a warning, don’t assume that you are essential to the Mission of God. He will complete the works He has set out to do with or without you and me. Always recognize that we are the ones who are honored to partake of this mission. Thus, the only attitude that the missionary should have is one of gratitude. Always show thanks for what the Lord has gifted you.
Second, I’ll end with the words of our Lord and Savior. The very commission that started it all. I hope you will continue to follow Silk Road Mission in your own ministry. Contact us to see if we could work together. Stay tuned for more from the Silk Road!
Kenneth See
SRM Founder
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”