Great quotes from missionaries

Friends, when we are living our lives intentionally we stumble into opportunities to be a blessing just by being ourselves and doing what we do.

What are you offering the world today? Perhaps we don’t know the big picture, or what exactly is going on behind the scenes, but our lives can be an offering if we’re intentional about doing the things we’re good at – a little at a time – to those already in our lives, and to those we “happen” to find crossing our paths.

~ Adriel Booker (missionary in Australia and Asia)

- - - - -

I don’t want to grow old and one day look back on my life with regret that I didn't fulfill the call of Jesus on my life. I don’t want to be standing before Jesus one day, desperately trying to explain why I buried my life in the ground instead of multiplying it.

~ Kristin Jack (missionary to the urban poor in Cambodia)

- - - - -

People seem to think that the moment you leave behind the securities of a job, insurance, or a home that you are being reckless. But there is a big difference between being reckless and trusting God.

People constantly ask if I'm being careful and safe. But in reality, those are two different things. You can be careful but not necessarily safe. In some ways, that is what it is to live life. You take precautions. But if you avoid anything that could turn into a dangerous situation, well that's not living, it's dying. You take a step of faith and pray that God's will be done.

You should not necessarily pray for safety. Gods will and safety do not always line up.

God calls us to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. God calls us to step out of our comfort zone. God calls us to live dangerously. God calls us to do crazy things.

It doesn't matter how hard it is. It does not matter how many people advise me not to. It doesn't matter how messy and terrifying the job becomes. It doesn't matter how crazy it sounds.

I am surrendering to the insane.

~ Carissa (missionary to Guatemala and soon to Uganda)

- - - - -

Being a cross-cultural worker overseas is hard. Crazy hard. Let me just confess - it's not all rainbows and beautiful adventures. We thought it was when we moved here, but we quickly realized otherwise. Is it life-changing and completely worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears? If you are in the will of God, ABSOLUTELY!

~ Jillian Kittrell (missionary in Haiti)

- - - - -

I’m what most people call a “missionary”. Yet, most days I am not so sure if I want that title. Being a “missionary” comes with expectations- expectations from supporters of how I should act, expectations from friends and family of being a super Christian or something, and expectations from locals of having unlimited money, resources, and an obligation to help all.

I don’t want to be called a missionary anymore. And my reason is this: I don’t want people to think I am better. I just live life loving the people God called me to love. And I imagine a lot of you are too. God has placed us all where He desires us to be on mission for His kingdom. He has placed all the people He wants us to love in our path. He has given all of us a part in His body. So let us all be missionaries. Not just me, but you too.

~ Jillian Kittrell (missionary in Haiti)

- - - - -

You need to walk, not run. Your mission is not a marathon and you shouldn’t be in any rush to save the world tomorrow. If you want to last as a missionary or as someone who wants to help others for a long time, you need to go slow, take care of yourselves, and take care of your family.

~ Jillian Kittrell (missionary in Haiti)

- - - - -

The Christian should never worry about tomorrow or give sparingly because of a possible future need. Only the present moment is ours to serve the Lord, and tomorrow may never come. Money is really worth no more than as it can be used to accomplish the Lord’s work. Life is worth as much as it is spent for the Lord’s service.

~ George Müller (19th century evangelist and defender of orphans)

Note: I don't know any of these people. I got the first six quotes from the blogs of the authors. 

And I recently happened upon George Müller's quote; it's one of many of his that I like. 

I'm posting the quotes here, because each one of them speaks to me. I hope you also like them!