(Mat 4:19-20) Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Once you receive your call to the mission field you will need to get organized and prepare yourself for that eventuality. What are some things to keep in mind?
SERVE LOCALLY: The best way to prepare for the mission field is to be part of a mission right now. Don’t wait until you arrive on the foreign field. Get involved in outreach through your church or a local mission. (Acts 1:8) … you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
READ: There are so many classic missionary biographies written that will inspire you to no end. Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, George Mueller, William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Corrie Ten Boom, David Livingston, Jim Elliot, David Brainerd, Mary Slessor, Brother Andrew, and so many more! (1 Cor 11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
ECONOMIZE AND PAY OFF DEBTS: You will be on a limited missionary income so you might as well practice that right now. (You might already be doing that!) Pay off all your debts, start getting rid of your stuff, make your money stretch, deprive yourself here and there of things, and put more money into savings for plane tickets, etc. (Pro 30:25) The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer.
DISCIPLINE: Learn to live a disciplined life. Set your alarm in the morning. Have devotions first thing. Set up a schedule for yourself and work it. Be self-motivated. Say no to distractions. (1 Cor 9:27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…
TALK TO YOUR PASTOR: Go in and talk with your pastor and let him know of your plans. Receive his counsel and pray together. Keep in touch with him. The church might be in a position to support you financially or perhaps in the future. Your pastor will let you know. (Heb 13:17) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls…
GET A TEAM BEHIND YOU: Assemble a group of people around you who will be your support team. These will be individuals from your family, your circle of friends, church members, and whoever else the Lord will raise up to support you in prayer, encouragement, and finances. Keep in good communication with them. Put out a monthly newsletter even before you leave and keep it up when you are on the field. (Eccl 4:9) Two are better than one…
Dare. Prepare. Soon you will be there!!
Louie