What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Missionary

When I was in the process of moving overseas as a missionary, I was taught many things by many people—my church, family, friends, and fellow missionaries. I felt loved as the people around me tried to help me be ready for what was next. All their advice was extremely valuable, but soon after arriving in the field, I realized that I couldn’t just memorize all the information and be ready. I needed to be constantly reminded of very specific truths that helped turn my heart in the right direction every time. 

If I could turn back time to when I first moved overseas as a missionary, here are the four truths I would keep with me: 

YOU DON’T KNOW HOW LONG YOU’LL BE THERE

You do not know what is going to happen. You just do not. Maybe you are going with a one-way ticket and are not planning to return, or perhaps you are just going for the summer. Whatever the case, be intentional. 

Give your best every day. There are seasons for everything. Treasure every moment. You never know what missionary work will look like later on, so, as much as you can, invest in gospel relationships. In the words of the 19th-century Christian evangelist George Muller: “Only the present moment is ours to serve the Lord, and tomorrow may never come… Life is worth as much as it is spent for the Lord’s service.” 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). You may have your own plans, but God’s ways are always greater than we can imagine. The unknown is a reminder to make good use of time, not a reason to fear. As R. C. Sproul once said: “My confidence in the future rests in my confidence in the God who controls history.” Serve with open hands and a full heart. 

LOVE YOUR TEAM WELL

Notice I did not say “expect to like them” or “expect to have perfect fellowship.” I’m simply saying, love them well. Out of all the people you could have been teamed with, they are the ones God chose to partner with you in this season. 

They are like your family. Don’t “see if it works,” instead make it work (unless there is a serious issue that requires attention). Let the Lord shape you through those relationships. Remember, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Focus on their strengths, not their weaknesses or differences. You are fighting together, not against each other. So, love them well. 

BE A LEARNER

You have the greatest message to share with people, and the Lord has a great work to do in you, all at the same time. You are not only giving to people. You are also learning from them. They are not projects. Have an open, humble heart to give and receive. You may learn to see yourself and the world from a different perspective. 

Never forget that you are a work in progress. There are ways in which God wants to change your life and make you more like Jesus. Take his work in you seriously. 

Remember Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 

DO NOT TRUST YOURSELF

You may be tempted to think that you have been taught all you need to know. After some time, you may feel that “you’ve got this.” But the number one thing you actually need to remember at all times is this: never stop depending on the Lord.

Do not trust yourself, your knowledge, or your opinions. Take everything to the Lord in prayer (Philippians 4:6). Fill yourself with his Word so that you can see everything else more clearly. 

In the book The Great Exchange, Jerry Bridges says it well: “Don’t believe everything you think. You cannot be trusted to tell yourself the truth. Stay in the Word.” But long before Bridges, God said it clearly: 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5–7) 

Still today, these are the truths I would fight to guard in my heart and mind, especially when serving the Lord overseas. 

Walk with the Lord. Trust in the Lord. Enjoy His work.