“As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”(Proverbs 25:25)
Isn’t that a great missionary scripture? I like to think of us in missions carrying from afar the good news of Jesus Christ. Our goal? To bring all people into a living relationship with God. Like a cool drink of water on a stifling summer day, the truth of the Gospel refreshes the oppressed and brings them eternal life.
But what kind of person should travel great distances to represent God in a country where the Gospel isn’t commonly shared? Well, as missionaries we must aim to live life and interact with people in a way worthy of the Good News we represent. I like to ask myself, “What in my lifestyle, attitude, and heart would others want?” Of course, the answer is Jesus Christ. His peace, love, and blessings on me are the greatest things I have to offer people in a distant land.
So, the best way to prepare for the mission field is to let Jesus live bigger in us each day. We must develop our relationship with Him. We should always live in faith and love. That’s how we want others in faraway lands to live. None of us is perfect, and every detail of our lives need not be in order for us to take a missions trip. However, the closer we walk with the Lord, the more powerful our missions work will be.
With that in mind, the greatest way we can prepare for a missions trip, or any other work for God, is to walk closely with Him and show ourselves faithful. Here are some practical ways to do that:
• Take time each day to read and meditate on a scripture.
• Love on God every day. Let His love flow through you, even to difficult people. Overlook others’ faults. Regularly review and practice 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in the Amplified Bible.
• Take a few minutes to pray in the Spirit for your pastor and for a future missions tripGod may have for you.
• Be faithful to attend as many of your church’s services as possible. (The midweek service is so important!)
• Serve your local church with a good attitude.
These are vital building blocks for a successful missionary. Do them, and if God calls you to any kind of missions work, you will succeed! Praise Him!