I have dreamt of traveling the world after returning from my first short term mission’s trip to Belize. Introducing and bringing people closer to Jesus Christ, who would not otherwise have the opportunity to know Jesus. Coming in contact with those that are less fortunate than myself, even if we need an interpreter to speak with each other, has drastically changed my worldview and appreciation for the ways in which I have been blessed.
As of this writing, I have ventured to Belize twice and participated with local missionary projects in my area. Yet, I still feel a yearning for something more. Something “greater”. Currently, I work at a coal mine where we strip the top soil back, blast and push the rocks out of the way, remove the coal and then put everything back in its place, better than the way we found it.
For the most part I enjoy what I do but I know that I am not going to make a career out of coal mining. The days of coal mining are coming to a close. While I am blessed with this opportunity I want to make the best of it. The coal mine in a tough place. The guys are tough, they rag on each other, working long hours every single week, and performing jobs as safely as possible that are not what I would consider safe. They have had tough childhoods and experiences throughout adulthood. Many of them don’t believe in a god, let alone a God who would send His son to save the world from ourselves.
There are days I struggle to find joy in my day job. I find myself dreaming of the day I can finally leave and pursue my “true calling”. That’s when I am convicted. My true calling is introducing and bringing people closer to Jesus Christ. What better place to do that than a place where Jesus is the farthest thing from peoples minds?
One day I will have the opportunity to travel, bringing the Gospel to people around the United States and around the world. For now I need to be disciplined. Focused on the opportunities that are already in front of me, not letting them pass by due to my arrogance. I’m on a mission to be a conduit for changing lives. I can start with the lives closest to me.