A missionary is a person who is tasked with the work of spreading the gospel. They might live in a foreign nation or they might work in their home country. A missionary can be someone who is serving on a short-term missions or someone whose entire career and ministry is built upon being in the mission field.
You will often find missionaries hard at work in the communities they serve in a variety of ways: teaching, giving aid, and helping with community development programs. But their main objective is to always ensure that the gospel of Jesus is taught so that other might know of God’s love for them.
You may have found yourself wondering, “what does the average day in the life of a missionary really look like?” Well, friends, read on and and let’s discover what an average day might look like!
Morning
Many missionaries believe that the best way to start the day is through prayer. So they get up, early in the morning, and fall to their knees before the throne of God. They often do this before breakfast to ensure that they have quality time with the Lord before the busyness of the day sets in.
Next they will eat a nutritious breakfast, often with other missionaries with whom they are serving. The most important meal of the day done, they will then turn their attention to planning out their day. Will it involve evangelism? Manual labor? Something else?
The next part of the missionary’s day depends on what sort of work they do in their community. Many will be off to teach the community’s children. Many will be off to work in health clinics offering life-saving care to others. Many will be meeting with leaders in their community to strategize new plans and developments.
Afternoon
At the mid-point of the day, the missionary will stop to take a break to eat lunch, drink water, and rest. Taking a break is crucial for the missionary. Due to the nature of the work, it would be so easy to burnout or experience fatigue if rest time were not factored into each day’s plan.
This time of rest doesn’t necessarily mean that the missionary is disengaged, however. No, the missionary will use this break time to reflect on how the day is shaping up and what remains to be done before evening falls. Lunchtime is also a great to take a moment to spend time in the Word of God and to pursue personal reflection.
After lunch and rest, the missionary is back to work! They will return to the tasks they didn’t get to finish that morning. In addition to that, they may also prepare and participate in worship services held by the believers in their community. Fellowship with other Christians is one of the most precious parts of the missionary’s day; it refreshes the soul to be able to pray and worship with other children of God and brings them back to why they became a missionary in the first place: everyone should have a chance to worship the Lord!
Finally, if time permits, the missionary may spend time ministering to those in the community who are in need of food, healthcare, or just a kind ear.
No matter what work the missionary’s hands may find to do, they do it for the glory of God and with the hope of getting to introduce others to Christ!
Evening
Finally, the evening arrives and the missionary is ready for dinner with friends and team members. Dinnertime is an excellent moment to find refreshing fellowship with others doing similar work.
Following the evening meal, it is now time to debrief with team members. They will discuss how the day went, whatever issues or challenges showed up, and how to address them. They will also acknowledge the successes of the day and give thanks to God for allowing them to be part of it. The debriefing period will likely be followed by prayer for the rest of their time in that community and for whatever challenges the next day will bring.
Finally, the day comes to a close. The missionary can now retire to their personal space. This is an excellent time for the missionary to spend some private time in prayer and in the Bible, learning whatever The Spirit may want to teach them in that moment.
Finally, the day comes to a close. The missionary can now retire to their personal space. This is an excellent time for the missionary to spend some private time in prayer and in the Bible, learning whatever The Spirit may want to teach them in that moment.
The work of a missionary is not easy, by any means. It takes dedication and a heart for service to be a missionary. But the work that they do, every day and in every country in the world is desperately needed. Missionaries don’t just bring the good news of Jesus to those who may never have heard it before, they also bring hope in the form of education, healthcare, community development, clean water, and so much more.
Are you considering a ministry as a missionary? Consider joining Mission Partners For Christ on one of our short-term medical mission trips. You will get to experience, first-hand, on what it is like to go out into the field to bring the good news of Jesus AND to be part of making their physical lives healthier and happier.
We have two trips coming up, for which you can still apply!
We will be traveling to Burundi this July 14-23, 2023. Registration will be closing soon, so don’t delay!
Later in the year, we will also be travelling to Togo November 4-13, 2023.
We need everybody! Regardless of whether or not you have experience in the medical field, we have a spot for you.
And don’t forget! If you are a dental medical student, you can apply for a scholarship to have $1000 put towards the cost of your first trip with us.
Note: This interview is taken from a video that MPFC founder, Sheri Postma, took during our medical mission trip to Guinea in February 2023. She is speaking with Dr. Kim, who was one of our wonderful volunteers working with our free health clinic.
Sheri Postma: Well, good morning, we are doing this video from the country of Guinea. And we’re really excited. So we want to thank all of you that have been praying for our Medical Outreach. It’s going exceptionally well. What do you think? Then can you introduce yourself?
Dr. Kim: My name is Kim, and I’m one of the providers here. Yesterday at our first clinic, we were able to see 389 people. During that time, we saw a lot of kids with stomach problems, and were able to give them more medicine. We were blessed with interpreters that could help us speak with the people. I feel that everyone left pretty satisfied that we were able to fulfill what they came to accomplish with being at the clinic.
Dr. Kim: We had a beautiful breeze. We had a beautiful setting. We had kids running around excited to see us, and it was just a God filled day. It was a blessing to be there. I love seeing the faces of those kids. They were so excited to see us! They were laughing, and playing, and walking out to the road to greet us. And then– the young boys that were at the school– they were trying to pick up garbage for us and pick up the chairs and move things around, and get them back to the school as we were leaving. They were all very helpful. Even though we couldn’t talk to each other. We could smile and nod and know that we were big that we were a blessing to them. And they were a blessing to us.
Sheri Postma: Wow! So what do you think spend the most impactful thing for you so far we’ve been here?
Dr. Kim: I think the most impactful thing is that, even though this is a Muslim country, there are pastors that are traveling along with us and praying with us; and being with the people and being able to share God’s word, even though we don’t speak the same language. We’ve been in villages now that have spoken to local languages plus French and our English and we’re all getting along beautifully together.
Sheri Postma: That’s wonderful. Well, thanks so much for sharing this morning!
Watch the full Interview:
To join us on a future medical mission trip, check out our volunteer page!
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Col 3:12
Humility is a characteristic that is absolutely essential for missionaries. There is a reason that humility is emphasized so strongly, in Scripture, as an admirable trait for believers to possess. Humility is what keeps us grounded and allows believer to work together as one body so that we may accomplish the work that the Lord has set before us.
What Is Humility?
Humility is a quality characterized by modesty, respectfulness, and a lack of arrogance or excessive pride. It involves recognizing one’s own limitations and limitations of one’s achievements, and viewing oneself as equal to others rather than superior.
Humility involves being open-minded, approachable, and willing to learn from others. It also involves being willing to serve and putting others before oneself. In short, humility is the opposite of conceit and self-aggrandizement, and is considered of high importance throughout Scripture.
Why Is Humility Important In Missions?
Humility is a crucial aspect of missionary work because it helps create an environment in which the message of the gospel can be effectively shared and received. When missionaries approach their work with humility, they are more able to build trust with those they serve, listen to their needs, and understand their perspectives. This can help facilitate meaningful relationships and effective communication, which is essential for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Humility can also help missionaries better navigate the challenges that often accompany mission work, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and opposition to their message. By approaching these challenges with a humble and open-minded attitude, missionaries can more easily spot their weak areas and put more effort into learning whatever needs to be learned. Humility also allows the missionary to remain focused on their ultimate goal of serving others and sharing the gospel, rather than becoming bogged down by personal pride or frustration.
Humility can also lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity for the missionary, as it helps them to remain grounded in their faith and focused on serving others rather than seeking personal recognition or success. When one recognizes that they, themselves, are a fallible human being only then can they open the door to learning and growth.
Humility Creates Better Relationships
Humility is the backbone of healthy relationship, both within a missions team and in the field with those being served.
In a team setting, humility allows for:
Improved communication
Reduced conflict
Increased cooperation
Greater flexibility and
Better decision-making all around.
When humility is allowed to surface, one’s individual feelings or needs don’t take precedence over the groups. There is a general understanding that what meets the needs of the team will also cover the needs of the individuals, and that everyone’s feelings matter.
Humility can create opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connections and understanding. When individuals approach relationships with a willingness to learn from each other, they can gain new perspectives and insights that can enrich their own lives and the relationship as a whole.
In the context of mission work, cultivating humility can lead to better relationships with those being served, as it creates an environment of respect, trust, and understanding, and allows missionaries to effectively meet the needs of those they serve. By approaching their work with humility, missionaries can build meaningful relationships with those they serve, and make a lasting impact in their lives.
Some Obstacles To Humility And How To Overcome Them
Humility doesn’t always come easily, unfortunately. We are all human, which means that we are susceptible to the same pitfalls as everyone else when it comes to remaining humble.
Some examples of obstacles may be:
Pride One of the biggest obstacles to humility is pride, or an over-inflated sense of self-importance. This can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their limitations or mistakes, and can lead to a refusal to seek help or advice from others.
Ego Another obstacle to humility is an overly inflated ego, which can cause individuals to seek recognition, praise, or attention from others. This can lead to a desire to dominate conversations or prove oneself right, rather than seeking to understand or learn from others. Our egos can also prevent us from seeing our weaknesses or areas in which we need to grow by learning from those around us.
Fear of Rejection Fear of rejection is one that most of us don’t think about as an obstacle to humility. However, fear of rejection can be a powerful motivation for not allowing ourselves to be seen as uninformed or inadequate in some way. This fear can lead individuals to try to control the impression they make on others, rather than being open and vulnerable.
To overcome these obstacles, Christians can draw on the teachings and example of Jesus, who exemplified humility and service to others. They can also seek to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of God and their own relationship with Him, which can help cultivate a spirit of humility. Seeking out the support of their community through accountability partners, mentorship, and seeking wisdom from others can also be a great way to overcome struggles to maintain humility. Another choice that believers can make is to lean into spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. These spiritual tools can allow Christians to remain grounded in the Lord and focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition or success.
Without humility, it would be impossible to do the God-given work and responsibility of sharing the gospel with others. It would also be impossible to sit in community with other believers due to the isolating nature of self-centeredness. When you really think about it, humility is a gift from God that leads us to true connection with the people around us – and what a beautiful gift it is!
What are your thoughts on humility and the role that it plays in the lives of Christians today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
You are needed. Well, what are you needed for? You’re needed for medical missions. Whether you just like to volunteer, whether you’re in the medical field– which we don’t require people to be in the medical field, just people who have heart to serve and they also love Jesus.
Dentists Are Needed For Underserved Communities
But specifically, I’m writing because we need dentists. Yes, we do. Most of the people that we see when we serve in remote villages of Africa have never– can you imagine– never seen a dentist?
I have to tell you, I live in the United States. And unfortunately, I’ve seen the dentist many times even this year for dental work. And you know, when we have pain or something going on in our mouth, well… we’re on the phone right away to the dentist, aren’t we?
But can you imagine if you live in a remote area, and you don’t have access to a dentist, you don’t have the money to see a dentist. So your tooth is hurting: what do you do? Well, you might use a rock or stick to remove that tooth. Can you imagine?
I’ve seen many people who have cavities, their teeth look terrible. The teeth that they do have? They look terrible. They have many missing teeth. They have infections. They have pain.
Trusting God To Provide
It was wonderful when we went to Ethiopia in October of last year, we had a dentist with us. The line was long, but it was incredible for people to see the dentist for the very first time.
So we’re getting ready to go to Guinea, Africa in three weeks. We’re excited, but unfortunately, we don’t have a dentist for that trip. And I’m sad about that because we know we’re serving in a remote area, and they don’t have access to a dentist.
But I’m trusting and believing God that for every trip after this moving forward, we will have a dentist. So we have a trip coming up in July, and one in November of this year, and many more in the future years to come.
So if you’re a dentist, you know a dentist, have a family member that’s a dentist, have a friend that’s a dentist, share this post with them. Tell them about the work that we’re doing in remote underserved communities of Africa, because we would love to have many dentists serve with us. And even as I’m praying to have a dentist on each trip, maybe God will provide two or three on each trip so that all of the people can have an opportunity to see the dentist who need to.
We provide all of the equipment and the supplies that are needed for the trip. So all you need to do is become available and show up.
I hope you’ll consider that and pray about that in this first quarter of 2023.
To see our upcoming trips, check out our volunteer page
Vision care is a global medical need. In underserved countries, treatment can mean the difference between patients being able to feed their families or not. Women need glasses to help them see finer details while they sew or make jewelry. Children need to be able to see in school or to play or help their families. Parents need to be able to see the water they draw up or the ingredients going into the foods they prepare. Everyone who drives motorcycles needs to be able to recognize road signs or dangers up ahead.
Mission Partners for Christ is blessed to partner with other organizations to cover the costs of glasses that go to people in countries with less access to basic vision care. We are excited to be able to go to places like Burundi where we can play a role in helping people get what may be their very first pair of glasses! When they participate in basic vision care tests, we are able to present charts that are written in their language. They get to read John 3:16 on one of the charts, and be encouraged maybe for the first time, in knowing that God loves them.
The Global Vision Care Crisis
When we partner with organizations that provide glasses or vision care items, we bring valuable medical care to people who need it. We possibly play a role in decreasing mortality rates and also in limiting the spread of serious diseases. When people can see better, they can make better choices with foods or they can possibly read new information. When they receive vision care tests, symptoms of diseases or other serious issues can be found and treated.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2019, about 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of vision impairment. Of that number, about 1 billion people have a preventable impairment. This means if the individuals had adequate, timely access to vision care, they might not have lost their sight.
Vision Care in Burundi
Burundi has been recovering from a past civil war and still experiences some barriers to preventive health care. Due to cost, many of the population postpone visiting the doctor or seeking emergency health care treatment until late in the course of an illness, injury, or condition. So if a child has glaucoma and develops a cataract, it might not be immediately noticed and then expediently treated. Or if a parent develops diabetes or lupus, vision impairments can be one of the first symptoms of a serious level of disease. If the parent is undertreated for diabetes or lupus, a vision care test can be life-saving!
The work we will be doing in partnership with others in Burundi and Benin is essential. It is one way to help their nations achieve global right to sight goals while also sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Life-Saving Intervention is Worth It
Burundi may seem so far away from the United States, but when you hear about what is going on there and the need for vision care, you might be stirred to participate or give in some way. There are multiple ways to give–you can donate to us by going to the Donate page on our website or contacting us. Or you can pray for us and tell others about us. You can also volunteer to join us on a medical missions trip! To help with vision care, you do not necessarily need to have medical training. You can work in the triage or in other ways that help us provide basic vision care services to those in need.
Wonder how to fund your trip? There are multiple ways of funding your medical missions trip–it doesn’t all have to rest on you. Funding for many volunteers’ trips comes from themselves, church fundraisers, or family members. Friends also may host fundraisers and supporting you. There also might be scholarships or grants. Check out “Raising Funds for Your Medical Missions Trips” and “8 Fundraising Tips to Attend a Mission’s Trip Debt-Free” for great tips to help you include in your upcoming schedule the medical missions trips you have wanted to join.
There Is Still Time to Join Us
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. To go with us to Burundi, go to the Volunteer page on our website. You are also able to fund someone else’s trip if you’re moved to do so at this time.
Did you know that 1.5 billion people live in extreme poverty? The average village has 1,500 people and 1 million villages exist in over 70 countries. Global Hope Network International was launched with the purpose of “Bringing help and hope to the hidden and hurting.” Global Hope Network International (GHNI) focus’ on Transformational Community Development (TCD) to provide long term sustainability in villages.
They focus on five areas over a 3-5 year period of time.
1. Water
They ensure that each village has access to safe, clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. They place clean a water well so all will have access to clean water locally. Prior to this, their water source is usually a dirty stream.
2. Food
It’s not only important to have access to food, but it’s important that the food has nutritional value! Global Hope Network International works with the villagers to ensure that they have nutritious food to end chronic hunger and malnutrition. They do this not by giving them the food, but by teaching them about organic farming and walking alongside them as they learn and put into action what they learn.
3. Wellness
This area of focus is where our medical outreach fits in as we provide education on sanitation and preventable disease. A pit latrine (toilet) is placed for sanitation in the areas we serve on our medical mission trips.
4. Education
Access to education is one of the most important things that you can give to transform a community. Global Hope Network International ensures that every girl and boy receives a primary education. GHNI comes alongside the villagers to build classrooms. Often we see children walking 6 miles to school because there is no school in their village. If they walk long distances to school, they fall asleep during the day because they are tired. This affects their learning.
5. Income
Sometimes helping others can hurt if they aren’t taught how to help themselves. GHNI works together with the village to develop their skills and produce incomes. Sewing machines are provided so women can make dresses and clothing. Also, they provide beads and string so women can make jewelry. They also sell the produce that they grow. It’s important to not only give but to teach skills that produce income to those in the villages.
It’s a wonderful experience to visit these villages. Some have not had visitors in three generations. Their village leaders are open to learning and want to see village transformation. Many are unreached with the gospel and have opened their hearts to Christ. They have asked for churches to be planted as a result of GNHI commitment to their village.
Would you like to see one of these villages for yourself? Join us on an upcoming mission trip.
To find out more about Global Hope Network International visit their website here.
Pictured: Mission Partners for Christ President & Founder Sheri Postma pictured with GHNI team leader Martins Atanda and Atakassikoro village chief, man of peace, village leaders. Village: Atakassikoro Cote d’Ivoire Africa. Our team was the 1st group of visitors in 3 generations.
Pictured: Our team, GHNI team, and village leaders Atakassikoro Cote d’Ivoire Africa
