What is a Mission and Missionary

​Missions has such a broad expectation of what is expected and who it’s expected to help. It can be overseas or it can be within the country you reside or even closer. I feel that one mission place that gets overlooked always is our church…First Baptist Church. Take a moment and think about what is done here. 
  1. Food Pantry – This is a food distribution mission field. Without it, many families would not eat. They count on being able to come to FBC and shop. They not only receive perishable/non-perishable items, but they receive something even better…the Word of God and seeing God working through each and every volunteer. So, to our volunteers, YOU are, in fact, missionaries. 
  2. BuddyBag Program – Food distribution mission field for our school age children. Without this program, the littles would go the weekend without, possibly, much to eat at all. In each bag, they not only receive food items that are easy for them to open and fix but each bag is filled with God’s love. Again, the volunteers for this mission field, YOU are missionaries.
  3. Children’s Ministry – This mission field is so important in many ways. It allows our young people to hear the Word of God, what God can do in their lives and so much more. During this pandemic, our Children’s Director made sure the kids had crafts they could pick up or they were delivered to their homes, fun videos each week and at times, a zoom meeting. This is a mission field. Keeping in touch with these kiddos is so important. So to the Children’s Director and team…YOU are missionaries.
  4. Senior Ministries – I know of several women who call and check on others during the week. This is a mission field. I know they ask if there is a need whether it be a prayer request, something brought to their home, whatever the case may be. So to the ones who are a part of this ministry…YOU are missionaries. 
  5. Greeting Ministry – Ushers and greeters. On Sundays, welcome smiles (behind the mask but you can see it in the eyes) to those who come into the sanctuary. You acknowledge each one and make them feel at home and welcome. We have greeters at the first point of entry (the door is held open for others to come in.) We have a greeter at the second point of entry (she smiles, offers a mask if you need one and welcomes you), at the doors of the sanctuary, we have our ushers/greeters at this point to help others find a seat and welcome our regular attendees and our newcomers….YOU are missionaries.
  6. Our Office Manager – Yes, our Office Manager. She not only talks to those who come in that are in need of help but she prays with them as well. She helps with the food pantry, children’s ministry, and anywhere else she is needed (which is many places within the church)…SHE is a missionary. 
  7. Our Pastor – Behind the mask, a smile can be seen as he goes around the church and welcomes those who are in attendance. Preaching the Word of God from the pulpit…YOU are a missionary.
So you see, whether you think of yourself as a missionary or  not, if you’re bringing the Word of God, greeting, providing material for others to learn about Him who is Almighty…YOU ARE MISSIONARIES!!
I encourage you to continue in your mission fields and one day I pray I can return to mine. God has a way to use us all. He’s using you. Embrace it and run with it!