The Home Mission Field . . . a Real Job!

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

(Mark 6:2-4) Ahh, the home mission field . . . what a lonely and challenging place to work each day. My bride and I were called to the mission filed in 1997 and I must admit, I was scared of the next step! Would God call us to pack up and move to a foreign land? Would He challenge us to learn a new language, change our way of living, even leave behing family and friends? Well, it ws a releif to know that God had work for us right where we were currently living! The Metro DC area would be our mission field! Boy were we relieved! However, we did not realize the challenges and even ridicule and rejection we would face . . . Just as Jesus faced doubt, ridicule, and rejection from His very closest freinds and family, we too will suffer from those closest to us. Who are these people to claim they were called by God? After all, were they not our friends and family? Did they not used to hang out with us, even party with us? How could they be so Godly? How . . why would God choose them? Even after 15 years . . . still doubt and questionable comments . . . Do you really have a job? What is it you do? Do you expect people to pay for you staying at home? Get a real job after all! In the passages above it reads that Jesus could not even perform many miracles in His hometown because of the people's lack of faith. It must have hurt Him deeply. I know the feeling! My own family has basically rejected me . . . not really concerned what we do to the poit of changing the subject when our work comes up. Oh we are doing a noble thing . . . we are helping people alright . . . but to leave our good government jobs for missions? WHAT???? What are we supposed to do with them now? It is good to know the Lord faced this yet still accomplished so much! We will not quit! We get so much encouragement from His Word, our local church, and so many others. No, the finances are not where we would like them, but we know whom we serve and will continue on the Home Mission Field until God calls us home with Him!