by Kathy Owen-Gifford
 
Where is our mission field? Where are we supposed to be “on mission?”

Where is our mission field? – Wherever we are!

Wherever we are.  We are to share the love of Jesus every day in every way possible. Sometimes this means:

• openly talking about who He is to us and what He’s done lately for us, 
• showing calm restraint when we want to stomp our feet and ask for a manager, 
• keeping our mouths shut and praying for the situation, for God to intervene on our behalf so we can be His example,
• showing His peace in our actions, and
• walking through open doors to divine conversations. 

Where is our mission field? – Through the open door!

The open door. How many times have I not been ready at the open door? Too many to count, I confess. I now pray to see the open door. I now pray that I am studied up to show myself an approved workman of the Gospel. 2 Timothy 2:15 New Living Translation (NLT) says, 

An Approved Worker 

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. 

“Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

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A friend recently shared with me an open door divine conversation. It went something like this… 
 
Coworker: “How does the Jesus thing work for you?” 

My friend didn’t know then that her coworker was an inactive Christian who had graduated from Bible College and was headed for ministry… then derailed and now living with sinful intent in a lifestyle unbecoming to a Christian and a minister… while still longing for and grieving the lost ministry. 
 
My friend:  “Well, He created me and He died for me. I live for Him. I belong to Him.” 

He created me (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13)

He died for me (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:15)

I live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15, Philippians 1:15)

I belong to Him. (Psalm 100:3, Romans 14:8, 1 Corinthians 6:20) 
 
Coworker: “That sums it up, but what about my sin, my lifestyle? How can I live like I do and you still accept me?” 
 
My friend: “It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict us of sin. (John 16:7-8) My job is to love you. (1 Corinthians 13:2)”

Where is our mission field? – With anyone who will listen!

We are to study to show ourselves approved workmen who do not need to be ashamed, correctly explaining the word of truth. My friend has studied, she knows the Lord intimately, and she had been thinking and praying for ways to talk to her coworker about Jesus. God knows her heart for her coworker, He shows up and shows off for His daughter (and for us). God had her coworker open the door for His daughter to share, the Holy Spirit gave her the words needed to keep the conversation open. She didn’t need to push. She just answered. We are to answer with simple Biblical truth. We are to invite the Holy Spirit into our moments so He can daily have our backs. 

Where is our mission field? – Where the power of God is!

The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say.

Luke 12:12 New Living Translation (NLT) 

“for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” 

Another translation:

The Voice (VOICE)  

“The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.”

Let’s think of that a different way… Who is the Word? Christ Jesus is the Word. The Holy Spirit does what? It teaches us at the time what needs to be said, gives us the words to say. The Holy Spirit points us to the Word, the Word is Jesus (John 1:1-18)! WOW! 

John 1 New Living Translation (NLT) 

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He existed in the beginning with God. 

3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. 15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. 

(Source: Bible Gateway)

 
What is your answer when asked how the Jesus thing works for you? 

• Are you “studied up?” 

• Are you praying for the open door?

• Are you trusting God that the Holy Spirit will give you the word – Jesus – when the time comes?

Love them like Jesus, take them to the WORD, to Jesus.

On our mission field – My prayer for you!

Dear Sister, 

I pray blessings on your message, mission, and life! I pray that if you don’t know the Savior intimately, you will be encouraged and inspired to get to know Him. Engage with Him daily. He loves you like no one else. Invite Him into your moments. Look for His hand on your life, look for the open door. These things I pray for you, for your good and His glory! 

I thank God for you, my NACWE sisters! 
 
On mission fields:

• Guatemala

• Lima, Peru

• We are open, Lord!

 
Please let us know if you are interested in serving with us or partnering with us in 2020!

Email ME!
 
Love, 

Kathy