Have you ever wanted to go on a mission’s trip, but life got in the way and you just can’t seem to make that trip to Northern Africa or the Dominican Republic or Haiti or Belgium? What if I told you that Jesus tells us that local missions are just as important as going to the nations?
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Jesus lists these geographical places strategically: they go from closest to furthest in distance.
Jesus calls us to be witnesses to our neighborhoods, cities, and states. We are to make disciples anywhere and everywhere we go. And while it might not feel as special as going out of the country and experiencing a different culture and seeing God move in different corners of the world, local missions and discipleship still brings glory to God’s name.
If the Lord has put worldwide missions on your heart and you can’t find a way to go, there’s a way to support the missionaries who do go out to the corners of the earth. You can offer your time to pray and meet with local missionaries. You can financially support those who bring the Gospel to the nations. You can gather your friends and family together to pray for those who are bringing light into darkness.
Making disciples of all nations isn’t just a suggestion: it’s something we all have to do. Find a way to support local and worldwide missions and see the kingdom come.
