When your job goes overseas is a good thing
Okay, it’s no secret that I’m going to be 47 this year and I work in the Information Systems sector that is finding itself outsourced overseas at a rapid pace. Fortunately, I work for a family owned company that is more concerned with the investment it has made in its employees than making an extra buck by having someone in India with a fictitious American name answer support calls. However, despite this seemingly secure employment condition I have been re-examining what personal rewards this job brings me.
I have no qualms about my pay or benefits, both of which I consider generous. However, I’ve come to a place in my life where I look back and ask “have I made a real difference in the lives of those around me?” My faith commands that we are to spread the Good News of Jesus to the world. I can do that at work and with my neighbors, but lately I’ve been feeling that I need to be part of something on an even bigger scale in unfamiliar territory. A year ago I would have scoffed at the idea of becoming a missionary, but now it doesn’t sound so absurd.
When I would hear the word “missionary”, the image was one of someone going overseas to a remote part of the world where Jesus was unknown. However, did you realize that some of the most spiritually dark countries are some of the most technologically and culturally advanced democracies? Even right here in the United States, a country founded on Christianity, there are places where the Gospel is never spoken.
Have I been called to be a missionary late in life? I don’t know if I would go that far just yet, but I’d say I’m game for a week-long missions trip. In fact, the Assemblies of God is holding their 3rd World Missions Summit in Cincinnati, OH the week of December 29th. The exact dates are December 30, 2008 through January 1, 2009 and the cost is only $99 per person with early registration. Missionaries from all around the globe will be in attendance displaying exhibits and manning informational booths to answer questions and recruit new workers for both short term and long term assignments. While the event is aimed at college students, individuals from all age groups are welcome to attend. In addition to the job fair, there will be guest speakers to report on what’s happening on the missions field. For more information, go to the World Missions Summit website.
Whether you’re a college student unsure about your career path, or a mid-lifer like myself, the missions field is still in need of workers, and there’s no greater reward in life than leading someone to Christ.
on May 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Good information. Do you have any information about charity?
on May 9th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
What kind of information are you looking for? My short list of worthy charities; contributing to missionaries; my reflections on the subject of charity?
on May 10th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
At the risk of sounding too secular, I have just two words I would offer “male menopause”.
on May 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Sorry, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website I don’t meet the requirements. I’ll consider mid-life crisis, although I haven’t had the overwhelming desire to buy a sports car. Could be the price of gas.
on May 11th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I compliment you for being open to whatever changes may be ahead and sharing your concern.
As churches and faith-based agencies reach overseas and outside their own state, I also see the need in the local church/community to “step up to the plate/pulpit”.
YES, there is a need to go outside your comfort zone/area. I support those agencies that do. However, with churches closing, church attendance down, and cities like Boston constantly fighting the increase in crime, I ponder what the future is right here.
There seems to be a lack of commitment and passion today in many areas except perhaps “self” and “what’s in it for me”.
on May 11th, 2008 at 8:10 am
All good points, which I agree with. My family and I have been fortunate to be a part of churches wherever we’ve lived that are active in the local community. My wife and I attend different churches, and both are experiencing excellent growth, which I attribute to their efforts of reaching out to the community.
The pastor of my wife’s church recently told me that the US will experience the same spiritual fate as Europe within the next 10 to 20 years unless a real revival takes hold. From what I’ve seen in the news and others around me, I’d have to agree.
Nothing can replace one-on-one personal evangelism. It’s something all Christians can do without packing up and heading to the Missions field.
on May 16th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Based on everything you have outlined, it sounds like you could make just as much as a positive impact but just getting involved locally. Just a thought.
on May 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am
You’re right and that may be an option. After reading the requirements for becoming a “missionary”, I would probably serve in only a support position, which even includes IT. They have needs behind the scenes just like any other company and perhaps I can help there. I’m having lunch with some missionary friends of mine today to get the “skinny” on the whole international missions thing. I suspect I’ll be doing a week trip here and there before considering anything longer term.