Are you called to missions? 7 insightful questions marketplace workers are asking before becoming a global missionary.

Before quitting your job, there are some questions to answer.

I’m a missionary to a hostile place. I quit my job and moved our large family to the mission field in 2018. Below are the questions that veterans encouraged me to answer. I wish I would have asked some of these sooner.

I hope you’ll use the questions as a step in your process to understand how God is directing you.

Question #1: Are you currently sharing your faith in Jesus with others?

If you don’t share in your home culture, the habit doesn’t magically start in a new country.

In your home culture you understand the language and norms. In a new culture, even the simplest things are difficult. If it’s worth leaving everything for this work, it’s worth proving that you can do it at home too.

Share your faith along the way to life overseas.

Question #2: How are your finances?

Freedom from debt makes all the difference.

Financial struggle causes pain in many areas of our lives. Friendship, marriage, financial partners. Freedom from debt removes stress. Take a look at your finances and plan to be debt free or mostly debt free.

Weekly budget conversations and Financial Peace University helped us.

Question #3: How is your devotional life?

Extended daily time with Jesus is essential.

This abiding time of prayer, bible reading, and worship is the medicine for remaining on the field long term. You will deal with culture shock, spiritual warfare, missing major family events, self doubt. This is how we rely on him.

Start with an amount of time that stretches you a little and work your way to an hour or two a day.

Question #4: Has God put a people group, location or type of ministry on your heart?

This is not required, but it helps on days when you have doubts about your calling.

Whatever the Lord has revealed to you, write it down. This can open the door to conversations with people doing similar work in similar places.

Use this leading to propel you into conversations about your next steps.

Question #5: Have you counted the cost?

Knowing what this may cost you can help you prepare for the worst and plan your response.

You may find love in harms way. A child may need immediate medical attention in a clinic with a dirt floor. You may be pulled into a side room at an airport and aggressively questioned about why you have REALLY to come to their country. Preparing for all the potential “costs” can help you process difficult events better later.

Take time with a spouse or a trusted loved one and really talk through what this could cost.

Question #6: Would your pastor give you a recommendation if asked?

Talk with your pastor about your thoughts of a life in missions.

They may give welcome insight. And many missions sending organizations include a reference from your pastor. Their word about you will carry weight as you are considered for missions work.

Approach your pastor with humility. It may pay dividends.

Question #7: Do you want to go?

Simply, do you WANT to go?

It is possible to get swept up in the excitement of a missions conference. Some people are dissatisfied at work or something else and see this as a way out. Is there is something in your heart you can’t shake about missions? If so, incredible! I praise God with you.

We pray every day that the Lord would send more laborers (gospel workers) to the harvest fields.

Finally…Will you go?

Answering all these questions and wanting to go is great.

Will you actually take steps to GO?

Thank you for reading. I’d be overjoyed to answer any questions via DM

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