What is a missionary?

 In the past few months we have really enjoyed meeting new people that have moved to Nyimba to assist Zambians in different areas of life. Getting to know new people is something that I really enjoy, it's like getting a new book and the anticipation of learning about other places in the world and the adventures that lie on the horizon in conversation. I love learning about people, their past, present, and their dreams. It is truly a gift and a blessing to learn about the people that God has put in your path.

This past week, I had an awesome conversation with a new friend. She asked me, "So what is a missionary? What is your project here in Nyimba?" I began to answer and in my mind I thought, "well goodness, I have never sat down and really verbally said out loud what a missionary is, I should be ashamed!" This was the short answer to her question, "what is a missionary?" 

A missionary is someone who tells other people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our project or our mission here is to make sure that all people in Nyimba and part of Mozambique have the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to know Him as their Lord and Savior. I began to explain that Kendall was a church planter and she stopped me mid-sentence to ask what a church planter was. I explained that we pray over places and pray for God to move in their hearts and we help to start churches in the areas where the people want a church. I explained that my job was in the home and that I ministered to women. I told her that we are here to minister to Zambians, Mozambicans, and anyone that we come in contact with. 

At the end of our conversation she said, "I have never met a missionary, but I had a pre-conceived idea of missionaries and you and Kendall have blown those expectations away." We pray that no matter who comes into our home, we would be a light to them and have the opportunity to share Christ with them. Pray for the three women from the University of Wisconsin, the four Peace Corps volunteers, one British lady, and one Canadian that all live very near us now in Nyimba. We love ministering to them and we pray that in their time here they may know Jesus Christ! 

When I think about what a missionary is, I don't think about myself, I think about the 5,000 people that we work with and many who have come before us. The three people below are incredible missionary role models and a true challenge to us each day.

In a letter to his (Hudson Taylor) sister Amelia Hudson Taylor he wrote in 14 February 1860,

"If I had a thousand pounds China should have it- if I had a thousand lives, China should have them. No! Not China, but Christ. Can we do too much for Him? Can we do enough for such a precious Saviour?"

William Carey later preached a pro-missionary sermon (the so-called Deathless Sermon), using Isaiah 54:2-3 as his text, in which he repeatedly used the epigram which has become his most famous quotation: "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."

While serving in India, Amy Carmichael received a letter from a young lady who was considering life as a missionary. She asked Amy, "What is missionary life like?" Amy wrote back saying simply,

"Missionary life is simply a chance to die."