Mission trips are a common thing in the Church and Christian community. A mission trip is where Christians go somewhere either in America or another country and do volunteer work while teaching the locals about Christianity, their beliefs, and to show them God’s love for them. I personally love missions. Every summer since sixth grade I have been on at least one mission trip either in the United States or another country. After my first international trip to Malaysia in 2014, I felt God calling me to international missions for the rest of my life. To spend my life teaching others in different countries and cultures all about the love of God is what I feel He is calling me to do.

This summer looks very different than usual for me. Instead of going somewhere else to serve God, my mission field is here. Staying home and not going somewhere to serve is something I’ve wrestled with since arriving back from college. I have such a passion and desire in my heart to serve others internationally that my heart has been heavily burdened about staying home.

Having these harsh feelings towards staying home is just Satan trying to distract me from all of the mission opportunities I have at home. I have been quick to forget what the Lord taught me in high school, that wherever you are, is a mission field. There are plenty of opportunities to share the gospel in my own town, I don’t have to go to another city or country. Acts 1:8 says “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. When Jesus told the disciples to go into all the nations, He included Jerusalem, which was where they resided at the time. We as Christians are called to share the gospel to the ends of the earth, which also includes the people in our own communities.

While having to stay home, the Lord has provided me with many unexpected opportunities to serve His people. Instead of me going to another country to teach teenagers English and biblical truths this summer, I am teaching teenagers at my home church how to grow in their faith. Whether it is in my small group at church or mentoring girls one on one, I am still able to show God’s love to teenagers like I would on a mission trip to another country. Instead of me going to another country and teaching kids at a vacation Bible school about Jesus, I am working as a nanny, showing my kids Jesus through my actions. While on a mission trip I would be teaching kids Bible verses and worships songs every day, at home I show my kids Jesus by my words and actions.

Wherever God has placed you for this season of your life, see it as an opportunity to share God’s love with anyone you meet.