Call to missions

Yes, I have, though my ministry is not the normal missions ministry. My ministry is to educate believers about the New Age and the occult and to reach those in the New Age and the occult with the love and truth of Christ. First God opened doors for me to give my testimony and then that led to further opportunities to speak. I began to feel burdened heavily for people in the New Age and occult (which I had been in). I did some outreaches and witnessing, and as time went by, people began to ask me when I was going full-time. My missions pastor suggested I should consider going full-time as a missionary. I did not want to when this was suggested, but that year (1996), I had a booth at the Arlington Co. Fair called "The Truth Behind the Symbols." I had 5 occult/New Age symbols portrayed plus the Cross, and a pamphlet explaining what these symbols were with the gospel and my testimony. About 500 pamphlets were taken and there was a lot of interaction with unbelievers. During this time, I became convicted of going into full-time ministry. That eventually happened in '98. As time has passed, God has confirmed this call in many ways -- in seeing people saved (not a lot -- it's a hard soil), in being passionate about sharing Christ and educating believers in these areas, and in the way doors have opened for me.

 

I want to add that I had to go through some preparation for this, including taking 30 hrs. of seminary (required by my church). My focus in seminary has been apologetics and I am still taking courses because I would like a degree.

 

Missions has been the most wonderful and fullfilling thing I have ever done.
I am a truck driver by trade and have been driving for most of my adult life.I was saved in Aug.of 1999 while driving home from work listening to a revival on the radio.I had started going to church 2 years earlier and thought I was already saved when I was 12 years old.But that is another story.In June of 2002 I was starting to be convicted of doing a truckstop ministry in Malvern,Ar.Well instead of imbracing this calling I did what a lot of people do,I ran from it.I had all the standard excuses,I'm not good enough,I can't talk good,I don't know enough,I can't quote scripture,no one will listen to me.This went on untill Oct.02.That day my life changed forever again(the first was when I was saved).A missionary and church planter from the Arkansas State Baptist Convention came to speak at my church.He talked about his life as a missionary and the trials and tribulations he and his family went through for 18 years,(some of which were violent).Then he talked about how the Central Baptist Ass. of Arkansas was trying to start a truckstop ministry in Malvern,Arkansas.How could I run anymore?This is exactly what I was being convicted of doing.I broke down in tears and told him what had been going on and how God was leading me in that same direction.Well to make a long story short,I am the director of Travelers Chapel,a truck stop ministry in Malvern,Arkansas.We opened in June of 03.Although we have had only 2 professions of faith.We have ministered to over a thousand drivers by working the parking lot,resturant,and fuel desk.We hand out tracks,sermon tapes,writing tablets,christian radio station guides,bibles,and christian reading materials.We have services on Sunday mornings and evenings.Eventually we want to expand to 7 days a week.We also teach seminars on starting a truckstop ministry and set up displays at Missions Fairs.I am not a preacher,or chaplain.But I have found out that God does not call the qualified,He qualifies the called.I am in the process of becoming a registerd missionary.

 

Definitely...God gave me a passion for missions, to reach out to unreached people with His Good News. I'd elaborate even more, but my nose is running like a faucet and I need a tissue.

 

Yes, I was called to go to the field of prison missions, I believe that is a mission field, and I go, even though it's only in letters. But Paul used letters, and I think we can all agree that God uses the written words in a powerful way.
The inmates are seeking, they have lost much and are reflecting on life. Many come to want to know God, many have already turned to Jesus and are born again into God's family, making them our brethren. They need other Christians to help them learn and grow strong in the Lord.

It's a wonderful ministry, or mission field, you can see the fruit of labor and it's a blessing to be used by God.

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them who are in bonds...
If you don't mind writing letters, I highly recommend this form of missions. Many are lost also, many will turn to the flase gods, Muslim faith is strong in the prisons, they turn to Islam as a way to get right with God, live a good life.
More Christian people are needed!

God bless you,
mercy

 

Yes. As a teen and young adult I worked not only with Native Americans, but with the Indians in Canada (Ontario province). As an adult, my wife and I have worked with some of the Hispanic population.

AVL1984

 

Yes I felt led to missions as a teen. I'm currently preparing for the field. Here's a call "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel"

 

I hate to be the devil's advocate here...

oh wait no I don't Im a baaaad widdle boy

The concept of the call while it does exist as a special supernatural occurence - nowhere is it given as a normative; and anyone who claims a call scares me a little - since Ive seen the results of "false" or after the fact exaggerated calls; and not too many real calls.

Perhaps I have a call since whenever I apply for missions the doors swing rustily open - I earnestly desire to serve God in the propagation of Scripture - but I will not stand up and say I have a call; anymore then I will stand up and say I am a prophet tho I have prophesied and spkoen and interpreted tongues. (sidenote tongues icky, me no likey tongues, since it is far too often misused)

Timothy was not called - but rather well spoken of and well qualified
John Mark not called - but eventually Paul speaks highly of his service

Paul's Second missionary journey (Acts 15:36) is nowhere attributed to the leading of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit however did establish principles that we are supposed to follow

1 - They are supposed to be qualified
2 - The church will not suffer from them being sent - since there will be people who can replace them in their spiritual duties.
3 - They are supposed to have some experience or knowledge with their chosen field (although since the workers are few; and we are often too stubborn to go where we belong; this requirement is often waived by God)

I finish with a quote by a Dr. Raymond Davis who was/is attached to SIM as a General Director Emeritus

"... The concept of a "call" necessary introductory experience for serving God cannot be Scripturally substantiated. Some, like Paul did have such an experience, but many others didn't. We've built up the idea of a "call" into something which simply was not known in the days of the early church..."

 

Well I'm of the thought that the Lord may be calling to a ministry (mission) for women. Women in all walks of life need encouragement, education, support. I am still in "training" or preparation for my ministry... so I'm not exactly sure yet. But this is where my heart seems to be going.

Nomads Wife

 

With all due respects, Comrade, this is not a call, but, a command. And it is not a command to all believers, or to 'the' church, or to random believers, but, to the Apostles.

 

Jesus gave the command in Mt. 28:19,20. It was a command in past tense but very applicable for today.

 

Woah there pinoy - every piece of Scipture is applicable to every Christian in every time frame

Nothing expires or becomes invalid - because if it did so it becomes less then perfect - and the Word of God is perfect - even the OT - which because of OUR imperfections is superseded but not nullified by the NT.

I think Im going to start another thread

 

Everyone is "called" to missions, its not a supernatural experience

I am called to make God known where I am, some have chosen to do so on the foreign field.