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Verse:“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19, 20, NIV
Since retirement allowed my husband and me much more flexibility, positive reports from friends inspired us to try short-term mission service.
We have been active in our local church for many years, but our newly flexible time made short-term mission work appealing.
Our research revealed a building project in Modesto, California. No special skills were required, so we signed up. That experience left us with happy memories and a desire for more involvement. We were hooked! This became the first of many fulfilling projects, both in the United States of America and abroad, including building churches, schools, and an evangelism center. Despite my lack of building skills, joining the food preparation and cleanup crew, helping keep the work area free of potential hazards, aiding the electrician in stringing wire, and assisting with concrete work kept me involved. Our mission service took us to several states in the United States, Norway, and Jamaica. After my husband’s death, I accompanied my grandchildren on mission trips to Honduras and Venezuela and my sister-in-law to Peru, adding to my happy memories.
Just the gratitude of the people for each project was pay enough.
When I remarried, my husband and I continued short-term mission service, which included a new experience for me. Off to Bolivia we went to do evangelism by preaching a series of sermons through an interpreter in Santa Cruz.
What a privilege to be part of this outreach and see souls give their hearts to Jesus! My latest thrill was being part of two volunteer teams that built the church where I am a member. Finding no one else to cook meals for the second small team of fifteen, I volunteered to be responsible for three meals daily for fourteen days —something I had never done before. What a challenge, but by God’s grace and the help of three of the volunteers, we met the need.
Every child of God needs to be a missionary one way or another. Age or lack of skills doesn’t need to stop you because missionary work includes many kinds of outreach. God has a plan for each of us, so prayerfully seek His plan for you. When open to His leading, you may be amazed at what you find yourself doing and where He may lead you.
Marian M. Hart-Gay