St. Francis of Assisi once said “preach the gospel always, if necessary, use words.” This has been on my mind recently as I’ve been preparing for my mission to Ecuador. One of the people who interviewed me for a mission scholarship reminded me of this quote as we talked a great deal about the reality of my mission.
In Quito I won’t just be standing on a street corner evangelizing to passersby. Most of my duties will entail teaching English. I realize that there are many ways to incorporate the gospel into an English lesson, but the fact is, I’m teaching 70 students how to read and write a language.
I think St. Francis nailed it. I don’t need to be “saving souls” or even reading from the Bible to be a Christian missionary. I can be actively engaged in God’s work by being a good friend and teacher. This journey is about being a companion and an ambassador, and I think that these principles of my mission extend to all of us. We are all called to be missionaries in some way. Sure, my way includes a year in South America, but I’m 22 and single—I am able to make that journey.
For another person, missionizing (it’s a word…just trust me) might involve reaching out to that marginalized person that could use a friend. Whatever it may be, it should include genuine storytelling. We should listen for others who want to share their stories; likewise, we should be sharing our own. What better way of bearing witness to Christ than showing friendship to someone and telling how He has worked in our lives? It certainly has to be more effective than the ranting of the man who comes to my campus to yell at girls for dressing like “heathens.”
In Quito I may learn more about religion and faith than my students will learn about English, but I’m coming to realize that my goal is not as simple as that. In fact, my goal for this mission should be the same as my goal as a college student, a friend, a brother, a son, and some day as a husband, father and Father (Get it?): I should strive to be a thoughtful and genuine companion to everyone. I hope that my relationships with those I meet in Ecuador will be reciprocal. I am going both for my own experience, and to contribute to theirs. I’m also going so that I can bring my new insight back home to share with you in writing and conversation.
Throughout time, God has called us to be in unity with Him AND each other. This means sharing our stories with each other to find a deeper connection. When Jesus comes to his disciples after death, he asks us to be witnesses:
“You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." – Acts 1:8
I would encourage you to take His words seriously, and actively seek out someone to share stories with, to grow in unity with each other. As the Beastie Boys said: “we got to get together and harmonize…ravers of the world, unite!”