By Laura Lee Leathers
If you and I could have a face-to-face conversation, how would you answer the following?
- When you think about missions, do you usually consider going to a particular place for a certain length of time?
- Where is your mission field?
- What are your excuses for why you can’t be engaged in missions?
I didn’t grow up with any knowledge of missions. Nor can I recall when I became aware of the global work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. It probably came through my English-speaking church when I served in the military in Germany and was discipled by my Sunday school teacher.
Studying Paul’s missionary journeys, I learned how he shared the gospel wherever he lived or traveled. He told his story of how he came to Christ, why Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and how to live for the Lord.
In my mission education, I’ve seen that being engaged in missions can take many forms, such as packing shoeboxes, helping with disaster relief, or hosting a basketball camp. Missions is about engaging with others and sharing your faith.
Be a missionary – at home
One of my favorite biblical women is Lydia. Here are a few things I learned from her life in Acts 16:11-15, 40:
- Lydia, a seller of purple, gathered with others at the riverside for prayer and worship. Through Paul’s witness, she became the first Gentile believer in Europe.
- Her entire household became believers, and Lydia begged Paul, Silas, and Luke to stay at her home. They did!
- Her home became the meeting place of the first European church.
Lydia wasn’t called out to go along with the men; she was called to be a Christian businesswoman and use her home to share the gospel. Have you ever thought that your home could be your greatest mission field?
While living in Germany, my husband and I hosted a camp in our apartment for young people from our church. We set up tents in the backyard, sang songs, had Bible study in our living room, and did recreation in a local park.
Later, in the ’90s, I recognized that God wanted to use my family’s rural home for missions. He brought women and children of all ages, and I offered biblical hospitality, which opened the door to sharing the gospel, praying, teaching, encouraging, and mentoring.
One year, two European bicyclists stopped by on their way to New Orleans. They wanted to spend the night in our pasture. Instead, we offered them shelter in a cottage on our property. Then, when the man from Germany asked why I had so many books on my shelf about God, I shared my faith.
In retirement, we might have to redefine how we engage in missions because of health, financial, or family responsibilities. However, our homes are our first place for missions. As Christ followers, we never outgrow our need to be involved. You are one person with a home that can literally reach the world for God’s glory. Pray, give, and go!
Laura Lee Leathers is a writer and speaker. Imagine Lois Lane, over 65, living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitali-tea, and encourages, and helps others with the how-to’s of life. Visit LauraLeeLeathers.com.