There she was, looking a bit awkward: an older, prim, and proper spinster. Dressed in unremarkable, definitely not fashionable, clothes. Her hair was in a tight bun streaked with lots of gray. This is someone you would not want to sit at your table during a wedding reception. She would most certainly dampen the party vibes.

This was how I pictured a “missionary”- a woman “called” to tell lost civilizations about the love of Christ. Her very utilitarian and functional black shoes, which she always wore, were necessary. After all, who could wear open toed heels when traipsing through the Amazon?

The scary part of this vision for me was that I believed God was calling me to be this kind of “missionary”!

Just after seminary in 1991, Dennis and I went on a mission trip to Indonesia/Irian Jaya for 14 days, which at the time, in those “good ole days,” were the ends of the earth for us! It was during this trip that missionaries jumped to an elevated status in my eyes - to superheroes! This is because we witnessed first hand the courage, sacrifice, faith, and a willingness for some risky adventure that was all needed in order to thrive as a missionary. 

My view of the “missionary” as a prim and proper spinster was transformed to a Wonder Woman with a red cape and superhero powers.

Well. I was neither prim and proper, nor was I a superhero. I did not become a “missionary". I ended up in a rather “non-diverse” mid- Western town of Appleton. Which I confess, early on felt like the “ends of the earth” to me. 

What happened to my call to be a missionary?

I realized I wasn’t called to be a missionary in a traditional sense, but I AM called to “mission”. I believe that ALL Christ Followers are called and “sent” on mission (John 17:18 and Matthew 28:19:20). All of us are being sent back into the world to communicate and live out the message of the Gospel: a message of reconciliation and redemption through Jesus Christ. We may not be called to live halfway around the world but instead remain called in our own communities. And I’ve come to realize it’s not "either-or". It’s both. And we are meant to do it together. 

None of us can do this “missionary" or “mission” thing alone. We need each other. Paul talks about how we are to function together as the “body” of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Resources are needed, training is required, support groups are necessary, and prayer for one another is key.  

This month at Alliance Church, we celebrated “Global Missions” week. We have had missionaries and ministry leaders from different parts of the world come and share with us what God is doing in their “neck of the woods”. It was an opportunity to expand our understanding of the power and diversity of God at work and how we can partner with Him in meaningful, life changing ways.

As we seek to connect with God’s mission globally, we are reminded we are not alone in our battle against evil and brokenness. 

I Peter 5:9 says “ Stand firm against him (Satan) and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  

An example of this was never more so apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I interacted with people around the globe, I realized how universal our struggles are. Stories of how people persevered inspired me to hang tight. It gave me perspective that it isn’t just about me. God’s Word implies that our global connections with other believers serve to strengthen our faith and ability to resist evil.

I’ve come a long way from my youth(!) in my understanding. Being a missionary and on mission can be lived out by “ordinary” people in a variety of ways. I have also realized “being sent” is just as much of a privilege and invitation as it is a Biblical command. As I have been involved in mission and global missions in various ways throughout the years, I’ve been blessed beyond what I could have ever imagined. Because of this, I want to encourage you to find a way to be involved in the Gospel global mission, especially here at Alliance Church. To find ways to pray over our current Global partners, connect with Lori Loux at [email protected].

Do you know that you are called on a special mission? 

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Woah. That’s a huge assignment, but did you catch that last part? Christ tells us He’s with us on our mission. Not only that, but we’re on this mission together as a Church family.

This month, Alliance Church celebrates this mission with Global Connections week, and our Women’s Blog authors will also be sharing on the theme of mission. Don’t miss out on events like our Women’s Global Impact Luncheon and check back here for mission articles being posted throughout March.

-Becca Fulcer Adult Ministries Program Coordinator