Mission (noun)

An important goal or purpose that is accompanied by strong conviction; a calling or vocation

Missionary (noun)

1. A person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.
2. A person strongly in favor of a program,  set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others.  
3. A person who is sent on a mission.

I have a mission.  A purpose.  A goal.  To Love.

I’m not a missionary.  I don’t “do missions” (not even sure what that means, but I’ve heard it before),  or lead mission trips.  I just really love people, and sometimes, I get to bring others along who love them too.

I don’t know for sure, but I’m fairly certain Jesus never said, “follow me, we’re going on a mission trip”.  So I won’t either.

I’ve been called a lot of things in my day, but “missionary” has to be the one bringing about the greatest reaction.  The one most impressing others, yet making me want to shout out “NO NO NO”.   This is absolutely nothing against missionaries by any means, but only because I’m not one.  I’m sure true missionaries will agree, and appreciate my refraining from this title.  I just love people.   I follow Jesus.  He doesn’t send me anywhere.  He takes me places.  Sometimes I get to take others.  I don’t really know what it means to minister… God does that… but I wrap my arms around His children, and pray with people, and in this they seem to find comfort.  I don’t know what the best selling books say about leadership… I follow Christ.  If you don’t know Him, you’re still welcome to come along, but understand the One I’m following is Jesus.  I can maneuver us around India fairly well now, but I don’t have all the answers… yet I know the One who does.

Wanna meet Him?   I’ll introduce you.  Don’t want to meet Him?  That’s okay too.  I’ll still bring clean water.  You’ll still get your surgery to get your sight back.  I’ll still love you just as much (in this you have no say).  You don’t need me.  God’s been pursuing you your whole life.  Call on Him and He will show you who He is.  I’m not here to convince, coerce, or convert, and I promise not to knowingly spiritually assault you.  But there is a good chance I’m going to talk about Jesus, because I love Him.  We talk (if not even brag) about those we love, don’t we?  We want others to meet them too.

If you want to know… really want to know… I’ll tell you everything He’s done for me.  How I called on Him in the deepest, darkest places of my life.   How He redeemed me from an impossible situation, and loves me with an everlasting love.  Maybe it will give you hope that He can do these things for you, too.  That for you, He’d go to the ends of the earth.  Maybe you will fall in love with Him like I did, and out of that ineffable Love, you might respond by chasing after Him too, and Love others the way He loves you.  The way He loves me.   That doesn’t make me a missionary.  But that’s the best I’ve got.  No titles.  No labels.  No stream of letters after my name.  Nothing that socially impressive.  Just Jesus.  He’s enough.

Love,

Val

1-707-318-2542

valerie@lovemanifest.org