Why I am going

      Several years ago while I was on a long flight, I started a conversation with the woman next to me.  When I told her I wanted to go into missions, she had a lot of questions.  Her biggest question was “Why?”  To her it was a job, and jobs are about money.  And from the world’s view she was right.  Missions don’t make a lot of sense.  Why would someone leave their family, friends and stability for a job that isn’t going to make a lot of money?  I believe that God works in different currencies.   

     One currency I believe that God values is obedience.  This biggest reason I am going is because it is what God has asked me to do.  I believe that all believers are called to be missionaries.  Some of us are called to go to our neighbors while others are called to go to other countries.  I was happy being a missionary in Kingman until God asked me to go on this mission’s trip.  I wasn’t very excited about going at first, but as I obeyed God, I started to get more and more excited.  Since making that decision, I have watched God grow my faith as He has provided for me. 

     A second currency is hope.  I am going because I believe that Jesus is the only hope that we can offer to a world that is in a desperate situation.  When I met Jesus, I was dead in sin and drowning in hopelessness. Jesus stepped into my hopeless situation and changed everything. I know that Jesus is the only one who can offer true hope to others.

     Another currency God values is relationship.  We know how much God values this because He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross so we could have a relationship with Him.  I am going because I want to grow that relationship. I want to grow closer to Jesus and become more dependent on him.  I have already seen Him grow my faith in Him as I have watched Him provide for my needs and I am excited to see how He grows me throughout the next year. 

      Mark 1:17 says” Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people (NIV).” Fish were money to Jesus’ listeners.  Jesus’ miracle provided the biggest catch of their lives, but right after that Jesus called them to leave all those fish and follow Him.  He had something better than money for them.  He gave them a command, and He was calling them to obey.  He was calling them to bring hope and to change lives.  Best of all He was calling them to follow Him.  He was calling them to have a personal, close relationship with Him.