The Missionary Lifestyle

We're getting ready for Myanmar! I'm with SFC Backpackers.  In the same week, there are mission teams who are backpacking to Chiang Mai (Thailand), Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.  These mission volunteers spend for their own fare and food.  They take time out from their work and give time for the Lord's work.

Is it possible for Christians of today to make Mission as part of their lifestyle? I say Yes!

Today is Mission Sunday. Our concept of missionaries are priests, nuns, and brothers.  The clergy comprises only of less than 1% of the whole Church.  Isn't it only logical that we, the lay, should respond urgently to mission since we are the rest of the 99% of the Church?

I believe that the efforts of these young missionaries will snowball into a whole new lifestyle for Christians...the Missionary Lifestyle.  What exactly is the Missionary Lifestyle?

1. A Lifestyle of Witnessing
This is everyday evangelization.  Witnessing is about living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Witnesses talk with their actions.  Others are attracted to become Christians because of the example of the witness.  A missionary lives out Christ's mission at home and in the workplace.

2. A Lifestyle of Empowerment
A Missionary is dependent on the Holy Spirit.  He is humble enough to admit that he is just an instrument and the Spirit will bring forth great results. This is as long as the missionary makes himself available. Available for God's Power. He applies this principle of Empowerment even in his work and relationship with others.

3. A Lifestyle of Great Adventure
He is willing to be sent.  He puts mission first, then leisure later.  Some are choosy in their mission assignment and puts forth many conditions.  My leader once said, "If you choose your area, then you are a tourist." A lifestyle of great adventure awaits the missionary.  He can only plan his best, but God will never fail to surprise us and bless us when we do His work.

The missionary lifestyle is a counter-culture of today's "Me Lifestlye." The missionary lifestyle talks about giving and sacrificing. While the Me Lifestyle is more of taking and self-indulging. But what we are not aware of is that the more we think only about ourselves, the more we are missing out of what life has to offer.

Let us Go Out into the World like these Backpackers! This is the new generation of missionaries. All out for God, all out for His mission!