Katy
What options are there for someone aspiring to be a missionary to unreached people groups?
I plan to go to a community college for the first two years of my college career and get my gen-eds out of the way, and an associates in business, before going to a University where I plan to get a bachelor's degree in Intercultural Studies and Bible and Theology, and probably major in social injustice. After that I really want to go work with isolated people groups who don't have access to things like good education, or healthcare, and most importantly, have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel. I just don't know where to start looking. What are some good organizations that send out missionaries? I have been looking a lot lately at the Roma (or gypsy) people, are there any organizations that focus specifically on them? How can I get learn more? #missionary
2 answers
Kanon Hile
Kanon’s Answer
Look into Pioneers, Frontiers and The Crescent Project organizations. Not sure if they have a focus on the gypsy people group. I would also recommend taking the time to go on short term mission trips to get a feel for what it is like. Also, in my opinion being qualified only requires God's calling. An education is helpful, but I'd encourage you to not feel like you have to have a college degree to be a missionary.
Claude Thomas
Claude’s Answer
First, it's essential to pray and seek God's guidance. Have you felt a divine calling to this path?
Engage in conversations with existing missionaries, if possible. They can offer valuable insights into the process of becoming a missionary.
Consult with your church's senior pastor about potential opportunities in missionary work.
The internet is a rich source of information. A useful site I found is Ask A Missionary. It outlines these steps:
1. Eliminate or avoid debt. It's challenging to embark on overseas missions while burdened with financial obligations like mortgages, student loans, or credit card debts.
2. Experience an overseas trip. Visiting a foreign country can provide the necessary vision and understanding to proceed. Make sure to connect with missionaries there for hands-on experience.
3. Get the right training. Plenty of excellent programs are available, and the best fit depends on your intended work. Options include Bible schools, seminaries, or YWAM programs.
4. Share your vision with your home community, including your church. Find a mentor or role model and heed their advice.
5. Educate yourself about your target country or people group, and about missionary work in general. This could involve befriending people from that place living in your home country, reading relevant books, or studying the language. Recommended reads include "Let the Nations Be Glad" by John Piper and "The Great Omission" by Robertson McQuilkin.
6. Prioritize your health and cultivate healthy habits. This includes regular time with God, addressing past emotional wounds or struggles to prevent them from becoming obstacles in your mission work, and more.