3 Ways You Can Be a Missionary Wherever You Are

When we hear the word “missionary,” we usually think of someone in a foreign country spreading the Gospel amidst constant persecution. We sigh, feeling guilty that we aren’t helping to “make disciples of all nations” because we have fridges, soft beds, supermarkets, vehicles, hospitals, plenty of food and water, and relatively easy lives.

But the truth is, you don’t have to travel overseas to be a missionary. You are called to glorify Christ and preach the Gospel wherever you are, to whoever will listen.

But how can you do so if you’re in high school, have no prospects of joining the mission field, or feel called to evangelize in the town where you live right now?

Recognize that Missionaries Aren’t Superheroes

When I read about great missionaries of the faith, one part of me is in awe at what they did for Christ, and how they loved Him, while the other part of me feels woefully inadequate to achieve what they were able to.

But, in his article Six Common Myths About Missions, Darren Carlson says this:

“Missionaries are sinners saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8). Every problem that occurs in your local church occurs on the mission field. Even if missionaries are trained, are willing to go, and have suffered hardship, these dear brothers and sisters struggle and are often lonely and overwhelmed.”

Missionaries are humans like you and me, striving to reach the lost with the Gospel. They wrestle with their sin, loneliness, confusion, depression, and angst just like many of us do. Just take some time to read a few of their stories and see for yourself. Let it be a reminder to pray for these ordinary people doing extraordinary work. And, let it be an encouragement to not count yourself out when it comes to fulfilling the great commission.

Jesus’ disciples were “unschooled, ordinary men,” but they had been around the Savior. You don’t have to get a degree to spread the Gospel; you just need a living faith and trust in Christ.

Here are three ways you can help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ right now.

1. Be a Light to the Lost

I live in a tiny town that holds a little over 1,000 people, and I dare say many of them don’t know the Lord. I would guess you as well are surrounded by unbelievers as soon as you leave church on Sunday.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

When your heart is filled with the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus, people will notice the difference. When you greet others with a smile, refuse to engage in gossip and sinful speech, and encourage those around you, this world sees rays of light piercing the darkness they are dwelling in.

2. Be Bold and Unafraid to Speak about the Gospel

If shining your light is step one, sharing the Source of your light is step two. Everyone can be kind and generous, believers and unbelievers alike, so that doesn’t determine a living faith in Jesus Christ. We must speak and share our faith with anyone who will listen.

This is a challenge for my own heart as I am often afraid to share my faith. I fear being incapable and inadequate to share the Gospel well. It is such a simple truth to speak, yet so challenging.

It is a bit ironic that we are hesitant to share the greatest news on earth. But it makes sense when we remember that our enemy, Satan, is actively working to destroy our faith and kill the hope that the Gospel brings. This is why we must daily submit to God and resist the devil when that hesitancy tempts us (James 4:7).

Oh, what great joy will come if we as a generation reach others with the Good News that snatches souls from hell and gives grace and eternal life!

3. Support Overseas Missionaries

It is hard being a missionary in a foreign country.

Far away from family and without many modern-day comforts, missionaries are often met with persecution and ridicule for their faith. They deal with countless challenges most of us couldn’t imagine facing.

That is why they need our support.

Usually, churches have a list of missionaries they support serving in other countries. These missionaries count on the monetary support and faithful prayers from other believers to keep their work afloat. Support from other believers encourages and helps them continue their work wherever they are!

Do what you can to invest in overseas missionaries, knowing you are doing Kingdom work and furthering the news of the Gospel so that all nations might come to know Him as Lord.

Make Your Mission Making Christ Known

Whether you live in a hut in a tiny village, an apartment building in Chicago, or a small country town in the middle of nowhere, there is always an opportunity for evangelism.

Whether you are in grade school, college, or working a part-time job, you can find ways to minister to those around you. Everyone you see in the store or pass on the street has a deep need for Jesus Christ–a need that will never be satisfied with friends, love, money, work, or anything else the world offers.

Shine the light of Christ knowing there is a future reward waiting for you in heaven, and for the joy of seeing souls saved and won for Him!

As you go out into the world and share the great news, I pray that you will:

“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own:
Put on the Gospel armor, Each piece put on with pray’r;
Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, The next the victor’s song:
To him that overcometh A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory Shall reign eternal.” (George Duffield.)