3 Ways to Be a Missionary Right Where You Are

By: Steve Mayo
This global pandemic may have changed the way Christians go on mission, but Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples” remains. So how exactly do we respond to this Kingdom call? CCA’s Director of Discipleship Steve Mayo shares three simple ways we can serve as missionaries right where we’re at.

This global pandemic has changed many things — the way we gather, the way we greet each other, the way we learn and work, and even the way we go on mission for Christ.

Although travel restrictions and safety concerns have prevented people from traveling overseas to serve — including Calvary Christian Academy’s 8th and 11th graders who typically travel to the Bahamas and Mexico this time of year — the call Jesus gives in Matthew 28:18-20 still applies to us:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
the call Jesus gives in Matthew 28:18-20 still applies to us
Jesus is inviting His disciples (AKA us) to arise and GO! This should spur us to action, compelling us to spread the Good News and invest in the Kingdom.

Matthew 24 explains the signs of the end times that will precede Christ’s return. Now, I don't know about you, but a lot of what’s stated in this chapter sounds like the days we are currently living in. For that reason, being on mission requires more urgency now than ever before! The eternal destination of so many souls is at stake.

Here are three ways you and your family can make waves in the mission field without having to hop on a plane.

  1. STEP OUTSIDE

    Did you know that the very city and neighborhood you live in is a mission field? That’s right. In fact, right when you’re about to leave Calvary Christian Academy’s campus, there’s a sign at the intersection that says “You are now entering the mission field!”... because we all need that reminder.

    You wouldn’t believe how much need, both spiritual and material, there is right in our own backyard. Members of CCA’s Varsity Girls Basketball team saw that need firsthand when they volunteered at the Fort Lauderdale United Day neighborhood clean-up on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “The residents were so appreciative to see us giving back and beautifying their neighborhood. It was an eye-opening and educational experience for our team,” said Coach Cliff Mack.

    In Genesis 12:2, God tells Abraham that He blessed him so that he could be a blessing to others. Living in South Florida, one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, means we not only have an incredible opportunity to be a light to our neighbors, but to also reach and bless many nations.
    Stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others has the power to open doors and lead to conversations and connections that wouldn’t otherwise happen.
    One way to do so is by volunteering at local community service events. HandsOn Broward has a calendar of upcoming volunteer opportunities you can safely participate in. You can also visit Calvary’s COVID outreach page for more ideas on how to serve as a local missionary. Stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others has the power to open doors and lead to conversations and connections that wouldn’t otherwise happen.

  2. PRAY AND GIVE

    Some missionaries are actually on the ground at work during this pandemic and could use our prayers and support as they lay their lives down for others the way Jesus did for us. Click here to meet some of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s missionaries virtually and learn how you can partner with their ministries!
    Our hope is that these young students develop mission-minded hearts early in life so they can grow into “fishers of men” who are on fire for the Lord (Matthew 4:19)
    CCA’s Lower School students will have the opportunity to speak with missionaries via Zoom this upcoming week in their Bible class and ask them questions about the important work they do. Our hope is that these young students develop mission-minded hearts early in life so they can grow into “fishers of men” who are on fire for the Lord (Matthew 4:19).

    I also encourage you to watch the documentary Free Burma Rangers to see how one family is going into war zones to sacrifice their lives for people they’ve never met, all in response to God’s clear calling. This is a family/ministry that can use our prayers daily! (Note: Viewer discretion is advised, as the film includes intense, graphic sequences of war violence).

  3. GET SOCIAL

    How many friends/followers do you have on social media? If your answer is more than one, guess what, your mission field can be online!

    As the Spirit leads, you can share scripture, devotionals, articles, videos, encouragement, testimonies, church teachings… the list goes on. We get to replace the internet’s #FakeNews with #GoodNews. At a recent professional development conference CCA staff attended, the guest speaker, Sean McDowell , shared how he created a TikTok account because if that’s the platform kids are on these days, that’s where he needed to be sharing truth.
    you never know who’s seeing what you share or what seeds you are planting/watering because of your boldness
    Sure, sharing your faith on social media may not be viewed as “cool”, but you never know who’s seeing what you share or what seeds you are planting/watering because of your boldness. We can aim to post content that lovingly conveys righteousness, grace, and truth while being fun and creative!

As you can see, being a local missionary is not overly complex. God honors those who offer themselves as empty vessels, and He’s ultimately the one who will give the increase to our work and bear the fruit.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. -1 Corinthians 3:6-8

You may not lead someone to salvation as a missionary, and that’s okay, because people will remember the way you made them feel with your love and care. You never know how the Lord will use those memories and impressions later down the road. We can trust that He’s orchestrating humanity behind the scenes in a perfect, magnificent way that’s got His name written all over it!

 

Steve Mayo serves as the Director of Discipleship at CCA. He also collaborates with the Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale's Six78 and HSM youth ministries, and assists with overseeing the church’s Vision 2023 Education Team. He and his wife Morgan have three children who attend CCA — Titus, Quincy, and Maxwell.
Back
No comments have been posted

Similar Articles

List of 4 news stories.

  • At-Home Academics: Practical Tools for Parents

    Struggling to support your child's learning at home? Taly Morales, an elementary teacher at CCA Fort Lauderdale, understands the challenges parents face in navigating the changing landscape of education. With over 16 years of teaching experience, she offers practical strategies to empower parents to enhance their child's academic journey.
    Read More
  • Preparing for College: Dorm Room Necessities

    There are many steps when it comes to preparing your teen for independence in college. We’re here to help! This article – written by CeCe Jacob, CCA’s Alumni Relations Coordinator – will share necessary items for your teen’s first year in a college dorm.
    Read More
  • Baseball Experiences for the CCA Community at LoanDepot Park

    Get your tickets for  these two incredible events at LoanDepot Park in Miami this March! This is not only an opportunity to experience the thrill of live sports, but also a time to fellowship with other CCA families and friends as a united school community.

    Read More
  • 7 Ways to Redeem Your Morning Routine

    Ensuring your child gets to school on time can be a daily challenge, especially after losing an hour of sleep due to daylight saving time. In this article, Mrs. Tarsis Martinez – Lower School Principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood – presents a concise and actionable guide to help parents redeem their morning routine and set their children up for success in school and life!
    Read More

PROUD MEMBER OF:




Privacy & Nondiscriminatory Policies | Employment Opportunities

© 2023 CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.