Mission Field

Back in 2004 I received an email from a high school classmate in the Philippines who now lives in Virginia. The email was an invitation to a class reunion in Irvine, CA that summer. A group of about 10 ladies from SMC class of 1983, all over North America, was going to get together and reminisce about the good old days.

My initial reaction to the invitation was "Oh no!" and "Not in this lifetime!" I didn't have "good days" back in high school. I wasn't outgoing or popular or even well-liked. When the powers that be at Webster coined the term "wallflower", they had me in mind. They just couldn't find a picture of me to publish next to it to illustrate the description. When asked who among the characters of "The Breakfast Club" I related to, I reply, without hesitation, "Ally Sheedy". That was how deep, dark, desolate and joyless high school was for me.

So, upon receipt of this invitation, I ranted and raved like the madwoman that I am. I paced back in forth in my kitchen reciting this litany of excuses as to why I could not and will not attend this get-together. My beloved husband listened to my rantings and ravings, nodded his head and very calmly said: "Think of this as your mission fields." Those words literally stopped me and my pacing mid-stride. Once again, God used Keith and in His wisdom opened up this new world to me to reach out to and spread the Gospel. Needless to say, I went, spent the weekend with the ladies in Irvine and well, the rest is His story. (yes, I know -- so sue me!)

In the last four years, everyone in this group has been made aware of my relationship with God. Some know of my experiences overseas in places I can't write about. God blessed me with two sisters-in-Christ, both of which have become my accountability partners in my walk. God has also blessed me with another mentor and discipler and although we're worlds apart, considering Australia is on the other side of the planet, we have this common ground where we always meet and fellowship. And there are those, whom I've recently told, that are aware of the new ministry that God has put before Keith and I. God has put me in a position where my witness and my walk with Him has lifted up some, rebuked some, comforted some and gave hope to most. God used my willingness, albeit reluctant, to take that first step four years ago for good.

Four years later, I am now preparing, with excitement, joy and glee, to leave for the Philippines to attend my 25th year high school reunion-homecoming. For the next two weeks, I am going to be living in a world 25 years removed from my current lifestyle. This world, that I couldn't and wouldn't get involved in four years ago, has now become a part of my mission field just as much as those distant lands are. This world of 250 beautiful, talented and loving women is the soil that God has put before me to plant the seeds of His Gospel.

I have come to the understanding that as far as mission fields are concerned, whether it's in our backyards, the groups of people we move in or the ends of the earth, the most important factors involve our obedience to His word and our faithfulness to carry out the work He has put before us. It is our duty to plant the seeds and spread the Gospel, it is up to God to grow and choose His people.

Now go and find your field and start sowing.