Missionary Questionnaire

A friend of mine sent me an AWANA assignment he had to interview a missionary. I thought I would share my answers with all of you as well.

Q: Where did you go and what did you do?
A: I followed God’s leading to Mizpah Christian High School in Mwan Village on Weno Island in the state of Chuuk in the country of Federated States of Micronesia. I teach English Communications and New Testament to high school students. As a teacher, I look for ways to build relationships with my students and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them and encourage them in their walks with God.

Q: What did you learn about God?
A: God always knows best. Even if God asks us to do something that is scary or hard, He always knows best. God is faithful and we can depend on Him for everything. He gives us everything we need – and so much more! God is always with me – even when I am away from my family and friends and church family, He is here right beside me, taking care of me, and guiding me. The thing I’m learning most about God right now is that He uses me in His way in His perfect timing even though I am still a sinner! Yes, I am a Christian and desire to please God, but I am still a sinner and sometimes choose to do things that do not please God. But God is so gracious with me and even though He knew I would sin and mess up sometimes, He still wanted me to come and serve here. God chose me to be here and God will work through me to accomplish His good purposes and will.

Q: What did you learn about the people you were serving?
A: Deep inside the human heart, we are all the same. People are sinners no matter where you go, no matter what country you’re in, no matter who your parents are, or who your friends are. And the biggest sin that people struggle with is pride – admitting that they freely choose to do wrong. …But I’ve also learned that no matter what your background is, if you both love Jesus Christ as your Savior and King, then you can have a relationship with each other that is wonderful! Knowing Jesus ties us together with a bond that cannot be broken. It is one of the most wonderful blessings in the world!

Q: What did you learn about yourself?
A: I guess I sort of answered this question in the answer to what I was learning about God. The biggest thing that I am learning is that no matter where I go or what I do (even if I’m a missionary!), I’m still a really big sinner. I am learning that I cannot depend on any of my efforts but only on the grace of God and Him graciously choosing me to serve through Him and for Him.

Q: What part of the project was easy for you?
A: Wow… this is a hard question. I think the only thing I can say is loving the students who love me in return. Of course that’s easy though.

Q: What part of the project was difficult for you?
A: Everything else. Almost every day I feel spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. Being a teacher is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Continually trusting the Lord and being in His Word and praying and loving unconditionally and always knowing what to say to the students and always representing Christ and having wisdom in discipline and not knowing the language and having people stare at me just because of the color of my skin and hair and driving on a road with billions of huge potholes… it’s difficult. BUT I have to say that I’m still very thankful for the things that God has provided and I still have so much more than I need or could even ask or think. Our Heavenly Father certainly loves to give good gifts – His precious Word, morning devotions with Christian staff, a few students who really do work hard, students who make me laugh so hard I start to cry, packages from Mom or friends, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a running vehicle, money to buy gas and groceries, 24-hour electricity, rain, and so much more!

Q: Would you do it again?
A: ABSOLUTELY!

Q: How did you look at life before?
A: Well, God taught me a lot before I even arrived on the mission field; He had to or else I wouldn’t have come. So maybe this isn’t the answer you were expecting but I looked at this life here on earth as only temporary and that it’s really all about heaven with my Savior. The reason I said yes to God’s calling me here was because I knew that I wanted to live my life here on earth in service to God, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and giving glory to the Creator of the Universe.

Q: How do you look at life now?
A: That it’s worth it. No matter how hard things may be or no matter what God asks you to give up or no matter what you have to leave behind, it’s worth it to follow God where ever He takes you. Serving Jesus Christ with every fiber of your being is the most wonderful, satisfying, valuable thing in the whole world!