“Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell;

 I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” 

I recite this quote, saying it again and again, until the words have sunk 

so low into my soul that I’ve dreamt of them. I repeat the refrain frequently, 

not realizing that I’m beginning to drown out soft cries for help. 

With the repetition comes the distraction, and it’s only when I reflect on the past 

that I realize the opportunities I’ve missed to share the Gospel, 

fueling my own desires instead. 

I’ve let my dreams of the future blind me from the mission work of the present, 

and I’m sure I’m not the only one. 

We come to class, anticipating how we’ll be filled up by the lesson, 

how we’ll be better equipped with this knowledge so that 

in the years ahead, the plan of every individual runs smoothly. 

But God does not call us to a smooth path, nor does He encourage you to wait 

until you feel ready to be a missionary. 

Mission work takes place everyday, in the small gestures and passing moments.

For you to choose to focus on yourself and your responsibilities 

while denying the acknowledgement of suffering around you is 

countercultural to God’s ultimate plan. 

Instead, choose to testify to God’s grace at every moment; 

then you will no longer have to wait for your future, but will be living it out today.