Monday night at the 2008 BSCNC featured a commissioning service for 31 IMB missionaries. It began with march in the flags of many countries lined the aisle ways as the missionaries worked their way on stage. Then it concluded with a message from Dr. Tom Elliff.
By far, the best part of the commissioning service was the the time of testimony from the missionaries themselves. There were 31 appointees. They ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s and they all had different stories. They were literally headed to every part of the globe. Some were called as children in GA meetings, some in college, and some as they were retiring. Single, newlyweds, widows and grandparents. It was very inspiring.
My prayer every day is that I will go wherever God wants me to go, Alaska to Africa, as long as I know it is god who has called. I have a very clear sense of calling, but that commissioning service allowed me to see something I already knew, there is nothing super-Christian about missionaries. they have simply been called, and said yes. I have a couple of friends that are missionaries and I admire them for their willingness.
This video of missionaries from West Africa demonstrates this point very well. Enjoy it, and be willing to be God's vessel wherever he calls you. He may want to send you to Indonesia, but he also may want to send you to the choir, the nursery, or the nursing home.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsO8BYXzkxo]