After reading that title, you’re probably saying, “Wait just a sec, Reagan…I’ve read your About Me page – didn’t you say you were in school? Are you taking a year off? Are you going to be studying abroad and spreading the Gospel in your free time?” The answers to your questions are yes, no, and no. “Hang on!” you say, “How can you be a missionary if you’re, well, not going somewhere?” If that’s what you’re thinking, you’re not alone…I used to think that way as well. 

When I was younger, I looked up to the missionaries who came to my church and told us all about how they had gone overseas and done all these awesome things for God (of course, they said that differently than I just did). I dreamt of the day I would pack my bags, move to Africa, start an orphanage, and tell all of the natives about the Good News God has for us (click here to find out more). While that is an awesome dream, God has not called me to be a missionary any other place than where I am right now. I realized that I don’t need to actually leave the country to be a missionary. Strange, right?

What is the definition of a missionary? Here’s what the Bible says: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). So God said to go into all the world and tell everyone. Let’s look at another: “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” (Psalms 96:3). Here, he said to tell it to all people. In Acts 1:8b, Jesus said, “and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” So what exactly is the Biblical definition of a missionary?

Someone who goes and gives the Gospel to everyone they meet, no matter where they are.

No matter where they are? Don’t you need to go overseas? The answer is no, and it is seen in Acts 1:8b. Jesus told his disciples to spread the Good News in Jerusalem, Judaea, and Samaria…and these places were essentially in their backyard. While the disciples did venture out, they were told to start with their neighbors. God didn’t say, “go ye into all the world except where you currently live”. Still don’t see it? “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15). God says we always need to be ready to give everyone an answer that asks us about the hope within us. He didn’t add the clause that says “but only if you go overseas”.

You can be a missionary, right where you are! Isn’t that exciting?! Share the Good News of the Gospel with everyone you know! I started this blog to share the Gospel with those that I am not able to meet face-to-face. It may not seem glamorous staying where you are (but really, were we looking for glamour? We should be pointing people to God…not blowing our own trumpet), but you can make a difference in the world for Christ. Think about it. Would you want your neighbor to be on their way to Hell while you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to be a missionary? I challenge you to tell someone about the hope within you this week! It may not be welcomed, but just know that you have planted a seed. It is not your job to make it grow – that’s up to God. 

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”

 (Romans 10:14)

If you do not know 100% that you will be going to Heaven when you die, now is the time to repent and put your faith and trust in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions or doubts about your salvation, click here to read how you can be saved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.