Missions is learning...

Moving to some unreached place and doing this thing we call ‘missions’ means:

• learning to listen, speak, and communicate in a now language and culture

• learning how to exist, live, and thrive in a place that you don’t normally belong

• learning to look with hope and faith into circumstances that seem impossible

• learning to follow Christ’s instincts, inclinations, and instructions among scores of lost sheep

• learning to show love and respect in a new culture

• learning fascinating aspects and stories of very different people

• learning the depths of God’s faithfulness as you watch him take care of things and solve problems and open doors

• learning to draw near to Jesus in challenging circumstances and find comfort and strength from Him

• learning to enjoy Christ’s friendship when there might not be too many other friends around

• learning to share his heart and his concerns

• learning to dream and long for the things that God longs for, and then to stake your life and years on them

• learning to freely, naturally, and openly confess Christ in front of all kinds of different people

• learning to do new things and find new joys