Why Missions?

Many Christians recently have emphasized the importance of making disciples in their own towns. This emphasis is terrific, because God wants us to make disciples wherever we are. At the same time, this emphasis is not the whole story. There is definite need for more Jesus-followers to go into cross-cultural missions. Here's the reasoning why I'm training to go as a cross-cultural missionary.

A Few Quick Biblical Reasons for Cross-cultural Missions

• Jesus commanded it. Jesus told his disciples to make other disciples “of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

• Jesus prophesied about it. Jesus listed the task of preaching the gospel to all nations as a prerequisite to the end times (Mark 13:10). After 2000 years, we have not yet finished that task.

• Jesus will accomplish it. One way or another, a HUGE number of people will be redeemed from every nation, tribe, people, and language (Revelation 7:9-10). God can redeem people from the most remote and most hostile groups without us lifting a finger; however, He allows us and wants us to take part in the rewarding work. We can't bring our possessions with us to heaven, but we can bring people by the thousands. Wouldn't it be awesome to see an entire tribe singing God's praise in Heaven, and know that He used you to invite them?

So what?

Whether you go or stay, there is still work yet to be accomplished. 2000+ people groups still don't have a Bible in their own language, don't have churches, and don't have anybody making disciples. If God is pulling on your heart to change that, follow Him where He leads.

An Update

After two years of flight training, I'm finished with a big requirement for becoming a missionary pilot: I have my commercial pilot's certificate!

One main requirement remains before I can join a missions organization: flight hours. The best way I see to get those flight hours is as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII). I just finished the ground school class for CFI, and by the time you read this, I should have started my CFI flight training at Moody Aviation. I'm very glad to learn how to instruct from the example of some incredibly skilled and self-sacrificing instructors. Why become a flight instructor?

• Honed training – A better grasp of flying, which can help make me a safer pilot in the remote environments overseas.

• Ability to replace myself – I'll have the chance to pass on what I've learned to future generations of missionary pilots.

• Of course, flight hours – Most missions organizations require 350 – 500 hours minimum. I have 300.

Two Prayer Requests

1. So far, God has provided for every step of the training I've needed. Between financial aid and working in the shop at Moody for about 3 months, I have around 65% of the funds to finish CFI and CFII. Please pray that God continues to provide.

2. Please pray that I grow by investing Christ's love in the people that God brings my way.