The Called Life.

I know many who are called to be missionaries.  Some who are hoping to be.  Some who are.  Some who have their mind's set on Asia or Africa, some who have their hearts knocking the neighbor next door...  But today I dwell on the fact that ALL Christians are called to be missionaries.  Here, now.  Not then, not when....

A dear friend of mine, Mike Knight, is an incredible example of this called life.  The first time I met him, he was clear he was heading to Namibia (Africa) and that seminary was his training ground to bring Truth through the lies of heresy.  He's been to Namibia most years, to the same place, same spot since 2002, administering the work of the gospel.  I love this longevity, and clear presence and relationship of his call.  What what I appreciate most, though is during this "meantime" struggle to have his heart there and still be under training here -- is that he has a job at the Boys and Girls Club, providing himself a meager income, but also bringing the hope of Jesus day after day to youth in Charlotte, North Carolina.  In Charlotte, or Namibia, Mike is living a Called Life.

My friend Blair does both.  She has a passion for Muslims, and a call to Malaysia, but currently resides in an apartment in North Carolina.  She and her husband served in Malaysia already, now are in seminary, and then will return.  In this "meantime," I love to watch now they allow the Lord to lead and nurture their hearts for missions and others here --  she speaks with her neighbors, he brings Malaysian pastors to North Carolina, she runs to Walmart for needed friends, and he serves on the missions and mercy boards at church.  Both work to live financially responsibly and grow Jesus-knowing hearts in their two young girls.  Both living surrendered to the Called Life, in places and times, at present, today.

My friend Sheree does the same.  Calling women in the church for coffee or tea, meeting for meals or going for walks.  It seems every woman in the church knows her, but she's a little petite woman with a heart that bursts into your life, and somehow, she is the one who doesn't forget you!  She's called by Jesus to places like Ethiopia, but each day touches another woman's heart with Jesus in Charlotte.  She lives a Called Life through cards and phone calls and texts and tea.

I think of other women and men who I know like this -- Heidi, Bekah & Ryan, JD & Sandy...  Those whose "calling" they live today.  They open their homes, they let God wittle their hearts.  They spend their days and hours with intention, with direction, with conviction.  These are those with the Called Life I see.

And I wonder, what of we?  Do we live as missionaries here, or just for the someday when we "get there"?  Does our work and finances show our sense of responsibility to provide for ourselves, as well as for the ministry of others?  Does our time show our connection to those around us, giving faithfully to their hearts as well as ours, and searching ways to love "the least of these"?   Are we waiting and focused on "someday" rather than living as called by God today?

"Therefore, go and make disciplines of all nations..."