Your Mission Field is Right in Front of You

By Carol Smith with Larry Smith

FORWARD by LARRY: It’s been a while since we’ve posted. Life has been so busy and hectic that it has been difficult for either of us to sit back and reflect on what we’ve gone through and what it means. So, when Carol mentioned that something had been on her heart, and that she was writing it down, I was overjoyed. And after reading the first few paragraphs, I knew it was meant for the Footprints on the Trail. The path in life that God puts someone on is unique and meant just for that person. It might take that person around the world, and it might not even take them out of their hometown. But where ever someone’s path takes them, there is always an opportunity to serve God, to serve man and to bring the message of the gospel right where you are, in the moment. It isn’t always about preaching or evangelizing. Often times it is through the showing of love, integrity, sacrifice and humilty that the truth of the gospel shines brightly. I can tell you for sure that my Carol lives that way, always sacrificing and giving and always, always in the name of God. Here is Carol’s new blog. Hope it blesses you in some way:

Your Mission Field is Right in Front of You by Carol Smith

Growing up in church we were always encouraged to become missionaries.  There were always intriguing testimonies about how adventurous, dangerous and heroic the mission field was.  I always felt like I wasn’t being a true Christian because I never went to Africa or one of the distant countries to spread the gospel.  When my children were being raised in church, I witnessed the same scenario take place.  All the church leaders would get them excited about going to foreign lands and fighting the good fight.  God has dealt with me on this subject lately and I am understanding now after my children are grown that it is not where you go to share God’s word, but what you do and say right this minute where you are now that makes the biggest impact on the kingdom of heaven.

When I look at the friends, family and people that I come in to contact with daily, I realize that these are my mission field.  Not only do I minister to each of them, but they make an impact on me.  Every time we can pour encouragement, hope and the Holy Spirit into someone else’s life we are missionaries.  We show Christ’s love by giving others our time and kindness. There is no doubt missionary work in other countries, it is very important, and I do believe there are times that our path will lead there.  However, God grows us where we are first, and I believe that is truly where we learn to be disciples.  When we start to see the needs in our neighbor’s eyes, then we can stretch our faith to grow hope into the world around us.  Listening to a broken heart and trying to comfort them builds our spirit up and helps to heal our hurt in the process.  2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “He comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble.  We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God.” 

I wonder sometimes if my children see the mission field in front of them.  They have awesome testimonies that they may not even realize.  For example, my daughter will go out of her way to help someone.  Just yesterday she played a big part in feeding 150 volunteers and firefighters for the community during a business fire.  That is kind of major, but there are small things I see her do every day for others that make a difference on their lives.  My son is my unsung hero, he does quieter behind the scenes acts that most people will never notice, but this mom does.  Like when I contact him and say we need help, he will be the first to bring whomever he needs to get the job done.  I remember when he was just a teenager at Christmas time, and he helped me to pack and deliver care packages to families in need and never complained.  This is the true character of loving and serving others. 

My husband inspires me every day the way he lives his life to serve others and always shows God’s love to each person he meets.  A few weeks ago, a lady came to our door after 9 pm and was out of gas right in front of our house. We didn’t know her at all and of course our first thoughts were, is she up to something?  But God knew we had extra gasoline stored in the garage and Larry went out there put it in her car and she went on her way.  Of course, she had to let him know how much she appreciated the help and that she had been scared to approach the house too.  It’s sad that people must be cautious now days, because there is so much danger around every corner.  I am reminded of the scripture that tells us “Do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you,” Isaiah 41:10.

All my life I have been a witness to people unconditionally helping others that come across their paths.  My desire is to teach young people that our Heavenly Father has placed them in a mission field already.  As soon as they are born into his kingdom, they become rooted into missionary work with the testimony of their walk with God.  Every encounter will be an opportunity to share Christ’s love and to receive it.  Whether we go to foreign lands or help a friend in need, we are serving the kingdom of heaven. The Lord is especially pleased either way.  Matthew 25:40: “And the King will say, I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

© 2024 by Carol and Larry Smith