Hey, how is your Monday? I wanted to pop in today as I was reflecting this morning about living on mission. Quite honestly, I want to bring a challenge to hearts that are open to my words shared today. So, the question I have is: have you considered how God desires for you to live on mission in this season of your life? How are you preparing your heart and hands to make an impact on others around you?
Here is a true story. I remember my junior year of college, when I took my first mission trip for a week. It was a beautiful time being in another country, and I just recall being so excited to do something bigger than myself. My college years felt like a drain some days, and I honestly felt lost in what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated. When I returned from my first mission trip, I thought that it was my time to drop out of school to be a full-time missionary in another country. Clearly, that was not God's plan, and He made that abundantly clear.
So, how does this current season of my life look, and how has living on mission changed over the years? In many ways, with where I am in raising my family, I realize that missionaries are needed in the very country, town, and city I live in. I know, I understand that when people think missionary, they think of those who have traveled to a foreign country. In fact, at one point in my life, I thought that was the only way that a person could live on mission for the Gospel. Yet, here I am today, raising three children, and co-laboring with my husband in new missional ways.
Last Thursday, we were able to partner with two other ministries and host an outreach event with fun family activities while displaying the Gospel. During the prayer table, people came with deep and sincere prayer requests. Hearts desired to be free from bondage and baggage. When I was in the Dominican Republic, I thought it was very unique to witness how the missionaries built relationship with the community and served them well.
We, too, can put the Gospel on display by being the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities and cities. First, though, it is going to take a praying strategy and for the Heart of the Father to speak in ways to serve; otherwise, we will just be people doing good things without the Glory of God on it.
The early church modeled sending people out to exemplify Jesus through the work of their hands. Acts 2:13-2-3 says, "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
No, you do not have to classify yourself as a missionary. I am simply encouraging you to ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas in which hurting people can be reached for His Glory. In your family, your city, your hometown, your country.
Is there anything God desires you to give up to move in obedience to something new? Are there familiar voices that are not aligned with how the Lord wants to prepare you to live missionally for Kingdom impact? I will be honest with you, surrendering and giving up our wants for His is costly; however, His hand will always be on it. We know what it is like to let our jobs go, ministry opportunities go, our own ideas go, and so much more. I am here rooting for you forward! Take Care. -Makayla
Harris on Mission Things:
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Grandview Community Outreach:
Three ministries came together this past Thursday to host our first Fall Festival in Grandview, Missouri. It was a time for fun fall activities, a prayer table, and the preaching of the Gospel. We were grateful to learn from others in how to serve the region the Lord sent us to serve.
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Church Planting in Grandview, MO (South of Kansas City):
We officially left the park and had our first gathering in a commerical building location on October 19th. I kicked us off in preaching about the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are so thankful for God giving us the endurance to display the Gospel at the park for four months this past summer. Because let's be clear, we surely had some hot and rainy days! Haha. To God be the Glory.
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Homeschool, Socialization, and Openeing of the Home:
We are growing deeply in our parenting and community. Always easy? Absoutely not. I remember a season where I was uncertain if our children would have the community they needed as a stay at home mom, and now homeschool. So, guess what happened? As we prayed--things just began to form and now our home is always open in fellowship with friends, cousins, Bible-studies, dinners, and more. May we never forget the answered prayers we are living in.
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Bible Study Fellowship:
Have you heard about Bible Study Fellowship? A parachurch ministry that has the heart to equip Sons and Daughters in the word, deeply. I would love to chat if anyone is interested in finding a BSF local site. It’s not about what church one is rooted in, it’s about staying rooted in Christ, daily. This year I joined leadership to lead small group and so excited to see how my children will also grow through this year's study!
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I’m not here to tell you to live on mission like my family, but I am here to encourage you that it is possible. We are here to champion you to live on mission! (Feel free to message me back anytime).
