By Kendra Thomason
One Hope Church (formerly Hillside Baptist), Greeley
My father, sister, and I were enjoying dinner at a restaurant. When we finished our meal, Dad excused himself and went to the restroom. Some time passed. We were getting concerned about Dad’s absence. My sister asked, “What happened to Dad?”
About that time he appeared. As we inquired about his absence, he replied, “I met a man who didn’t know Jesus. I was sharing how he could have a relationship with Him!”
I am grateful that my family not only helped me understand that I needed to accept Christ as my Savior, but also encouraged me to share my faith with others. Being a part of Woman’s Missionary Union also played an important role in helping me develop a missions lifestyle.
Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) provides missions education for preschoolers, children, students, and adults. Not only was I a member of Girls in Action as a girl and Acteens as a youth, but I became a leader of Mission Friends (the missions organization for preschoolers) as an adult. Through WMU I learned the Biblical basis for missions as well as facts about missionaries and the places where they serve. I learned how to pray for missionaries, their families, and the people with whom they work. I developed a love for giving to missions through the Cooperative Program, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, Colorado Missions Offering, and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. My missions learning, however, went beyond just knowledge. I was given opportunities to do missions – from baking cookies for nursing home residents to going on a mission trip to Montana.
Missions education is important. It doesn’t just happen. A love for missions and a desire to be involved in sharing the gospel needs to be taught and encouraged at home, but a missions lifestyle also must be reinforced at church. WMU organizations provide the best avenue for learning about, praying for, and giving to missions. They also provide and encourage opportunities to participate in sharing the gospel.
I am thankful that my church, through Woman’s Missionary Union, encouraged my love for missions. I am also grateful that my father instilled within me the importance of sharing my faith wherever I am – even at a restaurant!