Explore Church in Missoula recently went on a mission trip to Brazil. Follow them on their journey as we post journal entries written by a member of their team. You can find previous entries at www.mtsbc.org.
Day 8
Why aren’t we doing this in Missoula, MT? I am humbled, almost a little ashamed, by the level of relational evangelism that Bryan, Amanda, and Rebecca engage in here in their community. Living a life on mission isn’t just for missionaries. It is as if the term missionary was created because Christians weren’t being like Christ or doing what he told us to do. A term had to be made to describe what a life of following Christ looked like. The term Christian, with overuse, has come to mean so little. Why do I have to fly halfway around the world to do any of this? I don’t, but I did have to come here to see what it looks like to realize I can do this at home. I really, really can.
Seeing these missionaries living in a close personal relationship, for years, with unbelievers is inspiring. The true friendships, built on trust AND continually sharing the gospel, in action and speak, are powerful. They genuinely know and care about each and every member of their community: the hardware store owner, the waitress, their neighbors, their children’s friends. They know the names, lives, and struggles of each person. They know their relatives, children, and who is in the hospital. Their entire lives are about others. And most importantly, they actually ask people to make a decision for Christ. Over and over again, for the past 3 to 8 years and counting. They continue living life together in friendship, with grace and discipleship. They are constantly meeting and greeting, investing in real relationships with those around them. It is amazing.
I hope to bring just of sliver of this purpose and focus back home with me to Montana.
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