by Jon Ramoutar, second year resident

In the summer of 2013, I embarked on my first-ever mission trip to the Philippines. I spent the summer praying and fundraising while anticipation built up in my heart. I had never done anything like this before. I was literally going across the world to reach people for Jesus. I was finally getting out of my comfort zone and felt as if I was doing what God had commanded in his Word. My team found schools all over the country and shared Gospel presentations within the classroom. After each presentation, students would have the chance to pray to receive Christ. Manyof them did. The trip flew by pretty quickly, and before I knew it, I was on a plane back to my home in West Palm Beach.

However, something felt strange on the way home. I sat in my seat, thinking of all the faces I had seen during the trip. I felt a sense of uneasiness. I couldn’t help but think to myself if I really had made a difference. Were the students really changed? Was I truly needed? Was I doubting the power of God?

After much deliberation and conversations with brothers and sisters in Christ, I came to a few conclusions. Firstly, at the end of the day, I won’t know this side of heaven if those kids were ever really saved ­– none of us can know that. Secondly, short-term mission trips, while incredibly powerful, often struggle to fulfill the entire Great Commission. I wasn’t in the Philippines to grow and disciple those children. I didn’t point them towards a church where they could  grow in their faith and learn more about how the Gospel changes lives. Sure, I was sharing the Gospel, but I wasn’t making disciples. I wasn’t teaching them to obey what Christ commanded. I wasn’t baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How was I supposed to do all of that in two weeks in a nation where I didn’t live or even speak the native tongue?

But there is hope for us yet. All believers are on a long-term mission trip that started the moment they were saved, and it lasts their entire lives. We must live on mission where God has placed us. We must share the Gospel with those where we live, work, and play – it’s where we’re best equipped to serve. We know the language. We know the culture. We know the lost. How much more encouragement could a missionary need?

I came back from the Philippines that summer with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for my local city and church. I finally understood that I could live on mission for God right where I was. I don’t have to get on a plane to share the Gospel with students and coworkers that I see every day at the school where I teach. I have next-door neighbors I can invite to dinner, starting a meaningful relationship and sharing the Gospel. When I go out and enjoy my city eating at my favorite places and taking in the city around me, there are many people around me doing the exact same thing who don’t know Christ. I’m glad that I am now partnered with a local church that makes local missions a priority. Every day I am challenged more and more to live on mission where I live, work, and play.