Mission Minded

This song is very dear to my heart. It is a powerful reminder of what we are called to do, declare  Jesus Christ to the nations. I went to a small Christian high school, with a class of 45. "You Said" was one of our favorite songs. When the year was almost over and the seniors led one of the last chapels we picked this song. Ministry, going out and sharing about how Jesus has changed our lives is what many now are doing. We are mission minded, we've gone to to seminary,  are actively involved in our churches and serve as missionaries in Uganda and Mexico. 

You said ask and I'll give the nations to you
Oh Lord, thats the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see your light
as it rises on us

Missions to countries outside of our own are very important. It is part of the Great Commission, "¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" (Matthew 27:18-20) There are many ways to get you and your family involved in missions, to be mission minded. I went on trips to Mexico with my high school youth group, which is how God brought me to serve at Rancho Sordo Mudo. You never know God may use that one trip to have you, your family or one of your children decide to be missionary. There are still so many people that have never learned about Jesus. The Deaf, whom I work with are one of the least reached groups of people. There are countless places God can use you to bring the light of Christ to others. I believe that if at all possible every one should go on a mission trip to a foreign country at some point their life. Going as a family is a wonderful way to expose your children to the need for missions and to expose them to a culture different than their own. 

While foreign missions are extremely important. Serving in your own community is very important as well. "⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus didn't just tell the disciples to go to the ends of the earth he told them to go to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria as well. You don't have to move to an other country to be a missionary. Be a witness for Christ in your own town (Jerusalem), area (Judea) and to people/places that are contrary to/avoided by you (Samaria). Have the neighbors over for dinner, invite your co-worker to a church event, take your kids to a soup kitchen, teach Sunday School, visit a retirement home, bless the homeless man who always sits on the street corner with a blanket and a bag of food, there are different opportunities ever where you look. (I am not advising that you ever put yourselves or your children in danger. Be wise and bring your husband/ father/brother/ trusted male with you.) There are countless people in your own area that are waiting to see and hear about the love of Christ first hand. So many people have had negative experiences from encounters with "Christians", be the one who truly portrays the love of Christ to them. 

I want to challenge you that where ever you are or go you be a testimony for Christ. How are you involved in missions?