Ministry for Life

Ministry For Life With Jennifer Devlin

Mom on a Mission : Doing What it Takes to Reach Out in the 21 st Century Challenging Moms to Get Out of the Box As a woman living in the typical suburban jungle with a wonderful husband, a super kid, a minivan, and a day planner full of somewhat meaningful activities, I thought I'd be the last person on earth that God would call to go on an international mission trip. I'm not the best cook, and sure don't like camping, so how could God effectively use me on the mission field? Such petty thoughts and empty rationalizations were no match for the endless creativity of our Father God and the equipping power of the Holy Spirit. The more I tried to talk myself out of the prospect, the more the Lord tugged at my heart. In spite of myself, I have become a mom who is dedicated to missions. And, as a result, my passion is set on inspiring other women to think outside their calendars and cultural boxes. We have a lot to offer. Moms provide an incredible perspective and nurturing heart to those who have not begun a relationship with Jesus Christ. Moms on International Mission Trips *A Changed Heart:* What is a mom from suburbia thinking when she packs her suitcase, and heads out on a plane to foreign lands? Well, the first thing I thought of was, “Lord, are you sure you've called me to go on missions? I'm a chicken…who said I was brave enough for this?” Yet in the past year alone, God has allowed me to travel to the desert land of West Africa to the mountainous regions of northwestern Guatemala and Ecuador ; all for His glory. How did this mother become an avid traveler? What began as an obedient heart for the Lord has morphed into a love for all people, and a dedication to say “yes” to God wherever He may send me. Acts 1:8 reminds us we are to go into the entire world; not just the areas we're most comfortable with! The more I studied the Word and grew in my relationship with Jesus, the more I began viewing the world around me in a different light. My biblical worldview became stronger and more refined. My heart for those who did not know Jesus increased. This story is common to those who have said yes to missions. As our desire to know the Lord increases, the inevitable tug of the Great Commission, the charge from Jesus to go forth and share the gospel message, will grow stronger in our lives as well. Reaching out to the lost with the hope of the Good News is the heartbeat of God. Being active in evangelistic outreach is the greatest honor He has given us as His followers. It is amazing to think that the God of All Creation allows us to tell others about His truth, mercy, and grace! *The Impact of Prayer:* Women who are interested in going to foreign lands to do mission work need to dedicate time to praying through the many reasons and motives for going. The worst thing anyone can do is to get on a plane and visit foreign lands without the call of God to empower her steps. Prayer is at the core of every mission journey, and is our lifeline to being guided by God every step of the way. The most amazing gift we can give our sphere of influence is the gift of prayer. Simply asking those we come in contact with if we can pray for them will open avenues for further discussion, and show our genuine interest in their well being. *The Mission :* Each mission journey we experience will have a different focus, and each adventure should give a clear confirmation from God that He is using us in creative ways. Mission trips provide a short-term opportunity to meet people outside of our comfort zone, and share the hope we have in the Lord. From prayer walking, to teaching, to building relationships with people who will remain in our hearts for a lifetime, God blesses each sandy step and uphill climb. *The Planning Process:* Moms have many distinct factors that come into the planning and implementing of the itinerary. First, and most importantly, is getting the home front set for the trip: Where will the kids go after school? Who will take care of them until Dad gets home from work? What about the family pets, the household chores, and life in general? What about ball games and other extracurricular activities? Everything that moms are used to doing within the family structure will need to have a plan B. Not to worry – if God has called us, He has already figured out plan B! Once the family is taken care of, the idea of traveling gets much simpler: What shots and paperwork are needed? What is the culture like, and what are the basic customs of the area? How will God use us to reach that particular people group, and what is our mission while in country? The nuts and bolts of missions can be both exciting and exhausting. But when we are equipped by God to go forth, the excitement will boost the level of exhaustion, and we will be just fine. Why Should Moms Think about International Missions? We can impact our community and world with the gospel. The details of traveling will work out easily enough. The benefits outweigh the planning issues. Our children will learn about faith from us, and become agents of change in their own spheres of influence From the littlest actions to the most complex events, mission work touches the heart of God. Jennifer's Bio: Jennifer Devlin is passionate about sharing Jesus with the nations. She is a popular speaker for women's events across the nation. She is the author of Life Principles for Christ-like Living , and the Verses We Know by Heart series. Please visit her website at www.ministryforlife.com for more information.

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As a woman living in the typical suburban jungle with a wonderful husband, a super kid, a minivan, and a day planner full of somewhat meaningful activities, I thought I'd be the last person on earth that God would call to go on an international mission trip. I'm not the best cook, and sure don't like camping, so how could God effectively use me on the mission field? Such petty thoughts and empty rationalizations were no match for the endless creativity of our Father God and the equipping power of the Holy Spirit. The more I tried to talk myself out of the prospect, the more the Lord tugged at my heart.

In spite of myself, I have become a mom who is dedicated to missions. And, as a result, my passion is set on inspiring other women to think outside their calendars and cultural boxes. We have a lot to offer. Moms provide an incredible perspective and nurturing heart to those who have not begun a relationship with Jesus Christ.

What is a mom from suburbia thinking when she packs her suitcase, and heads out on a plane to foreign lands? Well, the first thing I thought of was, “Lord, are you sure you've called me to go on missions? I'm a chicken…who said I was brave enough for this?” Yet in the past year alone, God has allowed me to travel to the desert land of West Africa to the mountainous regions of northwestern Guatemala and Ecuador ; all for His glory.

How did this mother become an avid traveler? What began as an obedient heart for the Lord has morphed into a love for all people, and a dedication to say “yes” to God wherever He may send me. Acts 1:8 reminds us we are to go into the entire world; not just the areas we're most comfortable with! The more I studied the Word and grew in my relationship with Jesus, the more I began viewing the world around me in a different light. My biblical worldview became stronger and more refined. My heart for those who did not know Jesus increased.

This story is common to those who have said yes to missions. As our desire to know the Lord increases, the inevitable tug of the Great Commission, the charge from Jesus to go forth and share the gospel message, will grow stronger in our lives as well. Reaching out to the lost with the hope of the Good News is the heartbeat of God. Being active in evangelistic outreach is the greatest honor He has given us as His followers. It is amazing to think that the God of All Creation allows us to tell others about His truth, mercy, and grace!

Women who are interested in going to foreign lands to do mission work need to dedicate time to praying through the many reasons and motives for going. The worst thing anyone can do is to get on a plane and visit foreign lands without the call of God to empower her steps.

Prayer is at the core of every mission journey, and is our lifeline to being guided by God every step of the way. The most amazing gift we can give our sphere of influence is the gift of prayer. Simply asking those we come in contact with if we can pray for them will open avenues for further discussion, and show our genuine interest in their well being.

Each mission journey we experience will have a different focus, and each adventure should give a clear confirmation from God that He is using us in creative ways. Mission trips provide a short-term opportunity to meet people outside of our comfort zone, and share the hope we have in the Lord. From prayer walking, to teaching, to building relationships with people who will remain in our hearts for a lifetime, God blesses each sandy step and uphill climb.

Moms have many distinct factors that come into the planning and implementing of the itinerary.

Where will the kids go after school?
Who will take care of them until Dad gets home from work?
What about the family pets, the household chores, and life in general?
What about ball games and other extracurricular activities?

Everything that moms are used to doing within the family structure will need to have a plan B. Not to worry – if God has called us, He has already figured out plan B!

What shots and paperwork are needed?
What is the culture like, and what are the basic customs of the area?
How will God use us to reach that particular people group, and what is our mission while in country?

The nuts and bolts of missions can be both exciting and exhausting. But when we are equipped by God to go forth, the excitement will boost the level of exhaustion, and we will be just fine.

We can impact our community and world with the gospel.
The details of traveling will work out easily enough. The benefits outweigh the planning issues.
Our children will learn about faith from us, and become agents of change in their own spheres of influence
From the littlest actions to the most complex events, mission work touches the heart of God.

Jennifer Devlin is passionate about sharing Jesus with the nations. She is a popular speaker for women's events across the nation. She is the author of Life Principles for Christ-like Living , and the Verses We Know by Heart series. Please visit her website at www.ministryforlife.com for more information.