“…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15
Have you ever watched a champion athlete train? It takes considerable sacrifice and dedication. Without adequate training they will not reach their goals. When God calls us to missions He has had this calling in mind for a very long time.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,” Galatians 1:15
Just as the prophet Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul were set apart and called to a specific work, so to are you and I. Just as these giants of the faith were being prepared since the day of their birth, God has lovingly preserved and prepared each one of us for a specific Kingdom role.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
MIA believes in academia but believes more so in learning through practice and life on life discipleship. It is not useful to read a book on prayer if we are not implementing what we are learning into our prayer life. There are better ways for people to learn than the traditional academic model. Much of what is needed for missions, if God has indeed called you, has been being instilled in you throughout your life. More still of what God will teach you will be learned as you are stretched and challenged on the mission field. Below is a list of traits common in missionaries.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”” Isaiah 52:7
TRAITS OF A MISSIONARY
Ready – Must be at a place in their Christian walk of overall preparedness
Adaptable – Able to adjust to new surroundings
Contented – Willing to forego usual conveniences and comforts
Thankful – Happy eating foods they are not accustomed to
Willing to suffer – Can live without some of their former conveniences and comforts
Able to suffer well – Can endure hard times due to a robust theology of God
Disciplined – Steady prayer life and a close walk with God
Stable – Emotional maturity and psychological health, not overly insecure
Adventurous – Not afraid to leave behind familiarity
Compassionate – Cares for the lost and the needy
Forgiving – Able to work on a team, handle conflict well, and has a healthy family life
Teachable – Always willing to adapt new ideas if shown to be wrong and learn from anyone
Flexible – Okay with things not going as expected. Can troubleshoot, switch gears, change plans, and submit their will to God
Hard Working – Can continue the work even if things look grim
Persevering – Can prayerfully serve through discouraging seasons (sometimes years) while leaning on God
Called – Have a sense of calling to the work
Availability and Willingness to serve – All kinds of people are needed on the mission field
Also see the MIA CREDO
For more information on preparing for Long-Term Missions with MIA go here.
If you would like to look into Short-Term Missions opportunities go here.