As I reflect on the past two and a half years of ministry in Mexico, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all that has happened. Almost three years ago, I said yes to God's call to serve as a missionary teacher in Mexico City. I then spent the summer raising support before arriving on the field. I was able to enjoy six months of "normal life" in Mexico before the pandemic hit. I ended up moving back home to the States for nearly ten months doing virtual ministry, before finally returning to Mexico to continue my ministry in-person. Honestly, this is not what I had in mind when I said yes to God's call, but even if I could turn back time, I would still say yes wholeheartedly.
Needless to say, the past two years have been incredibly challenging, filled with ups and downs, but I have seen God's faithfulness throughout that time. I have also seen the ways God has shaped me and used me to bless others. That has made it all worth it. For those of you who are considering serving overseas or have already said yes, I want to share with you some thoughts – the lessons I have learned, what I wish I had known, and encouragement for your journey ahead.
- Support raising. One of the things that often stops people in their tracks when they consider going on the mission field is support raising. It's intimidating to think about meeting with so many people asking them for their money so that you can serve on the mission field. But what if you looked at it through a different lens? What if you took the focus off the money and instead placed it on God and the people around you? The thing is, not everyone is able to go, but everyone is called to participate in missions in some way. As you meet with each potential ministry partner, you're inviting them to participate in and witness the work God is doing overseas. What you're really doing is offering an opportunity to journey together in seeing God move. What an amazing opportunity! So if you're considering going, please don't let support raising be a barrier!
- Transition. Something that I wish I had known before I left is how lonely I would feel in the beginning. After having uprooted myself from my home, church, family, and friends, I needed to build relationships with people in a whole new context. Eventually I got to know people better and made friends, but relationships require effort and time, and in the meantime, you'll feel the relational loss. During that stage, you'll naturally want to contact your family and friends back home, and that's ok, but make sure you're also investing in relationships in your new context.
- Language learning. This is probably one of the greatest challenges and the most humbling aspect of serving overseas. You will feel stupid many times and make lots of mistakes. That's ok! It's all part of the learning experience. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and use what you know as often as you can. Pro tip: one of the best ways to learn the language is through making friends from the local culture! You'll learn so much more than what you would get out of a textbook, believe me.
- Be FAT – flexible, adaptable, teachable. You have expectations for what life and ministry overseas will look like, whether you're aware of them or not. There will be days when the reality looks quite different from your expectations. This is the nature of ministry. Keep a posture of surrender and be open to whatever God may be inviting you to do. Which leads me to my next point…
- Be a servant-leader. This is the example that Jesus has set for us to follow. You may be asked to do things you'd rather not do or to do things that "aren't in your job description." These are opportunities for you to demonstrate Christlike, humble service – to consider others' needs and love people well. Say yes in those moments and serve with a joyful heart.
- Rely on God in all things. Being a missionary is not easy, but you were never meant to go it alone. Cast your burdens on the Lord. When we feel weak, God is our strength. When we feel like we've reached our limit, God's power is revealed. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Our job is to faithfully do our part and leave the rest to God.
- Get ready to be transformed. God will certainly use you to impact the lives of others, but He will also transform YOU. The people you'll encounter, the experiences you'll gain, the lessons you'll learn – they will all shape you in profound ways. After two years, you will come out a different person, in a good way!