Where is our missions field?

Growing up, I remember having different people from all over the world come to Sunday morning church service and explain all that they do in another country. Whether that was a person from down in the Bahamas, a man in South Africa or someone that lived in a different country. These people were commonly referred to as “missionaries”. I told myself at a young age that I am going to become one of these “missionaries” and travel the world into other countries telling others about Christ.

I’ll never forget listening to a message from Stuart and Jill Briscoe. Jill was explaining where the missions field is while saying, “The missions field is in between your own two feet“.

So many times we fail to look around us and see all the hurt, and the people that need to hear the love of Christ because we believe that either someone else is going to tell them or that we feel that being a missionary we need to be in a different country.

Now don’t get me wrong, going into another country and doing missions work is amazing and should be encouraged for those who have that calling. There needs to be some people that go and do that kind of missions work, however if so many people are going out into other countries who is telling our neighbors about Christ?

My dad and mom always taught us kids that work always started at home. Whether that was raking up the leaves, mowing the grass or simply doing the dishes. Not only did this teach us that it’s good to help around the house, but that is where help was needed. Now that we are older and one-by-one are moving out of the house, we are also using that work ethic and ability to work around the house with us.

Our work starts from home or as Jill Briscoe put it, “The missions field is in between our own two feet.” Jesus did say in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV):

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We have a missions field right outside our front doorstep. It’s time that we step outside and start truly telling others about our God’s love for them. We are commanded to go! So what are we waiting for? Start your missions field.