There are two kinds of people when it comes to missions--those who need to share Christ and those who need to hear about Him.

H. A. Ironside used to tell a story about a meeting in which a missionary offering was taken. When the collection plate was handed to a wealthy man, he brushed it aside and said, "I do not believe in missions." "Then take something out," said the usher. "This is for the heathen."

As a boy I looked up to missionaries as godly people who sailed to some far-off, uncivilized land and didn't return for several years. Being a missionary was the ultimate calling--nothing could be more noble or admirable. I still believe that God calls men and women to missionary service in other lands, and I still have great respect for them, but my idea of missionaries has changed.

Every Christian is part of Christ's mission in the world. What Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1 applies also to us. We are His witnesses and therefore must speak and live so that others will glorify Him when they hear our message and see our faith in action.

Being a missionary is not an option--it's what we are called to be.  — Dennis J. De Haan