When Your Family is Your Mission Field

Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to share the Good News.  He promised them that they would receive “power” to witness.  Shortly after, the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, and we see the disciples beginning to walk in the truth of this promise.

Today, are you walking in the reality of this promise?  Do you read that passage and think, “Wow, look at what God did there in the book of Acts,” and then close your Bible and doubt that will ever happen in your life?

Are you scared to share? 

Maybe you are like me. You didn’t grow up in a home where the Bible sat on the coffee table.  Maybe when you started walking with Christ the people closest to you didn’t respond with joy, but instead wondered if you had become a bit of a Jesus freak. 

The fact is that I am a Jesus freak.  Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and because of Him, I have forgiveness and healing and peace.  If I am going to be freak about anything, it’s going to be about  the Savior who gave it all and then conquered sin and death because He loved me so much. 

I also have the power of the resurrected Christ abiding inside me.  I don’t need to fear what my family will say if I share the Gospel with them.  I need to surrender my weakness to my God and ask Him to help me to speak the Truth in love. 

If your family is your mission field, you must

• Live authentically – Your love for Jesus might be the only Bible they will read.
  
  
• Pray fervently – Don’t ever give up interceding for your family.  Fight for their salvation on your knees.
  
  
• Share your story – Ask God for windows of opportunity to share your conversion story with your loved ones.  Write out your story in advance (keep it concise!), memorize it, and practice sharing it with someone you trust so that you are ready if /when the opportunity arises.
  
  
• Invite them in – Use the gift of hospitality and open up your home to your family.  Invite them to your church’s Christmas program.  Share resources like books, devotionals, and blog posts with them that point them toward God’s plan of redemption. 
  
  

Recently, I had a sweet older relative who became very ill.   Her health had declined slowly over a three year period after a cancer diagnosis.  We visited her in the hospital and prayed for her healing.  I called her daily and told her we were praying.  We purchased her a Bible as a Christmas present.   I spoke to her gently about the importance of making her peace with God and asking for forgiveness of sins. 

Ten days before she passed away, I had a divine appointment with her in her hospital room.  We prayed on our way to the hospital for a chance to speak with her again about where she stood with God, and when we arrived at the hospital, I had a sweet fifteen minute window alone with her before the rest of the family arrived.  

My aunt assured me that she was ready to meet the Lord, and that she was praying every day on her own.  She seemed incredibly at peace about her destiny, and I believe that right now she is in heaven rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. 

My prayer for you as you read this article is that you will not allow fear to keep you from fulfilling your calling to be a witness.  May you be strong in the power of the Lord and rely on His mighty strength for the work. 

About Lyli

Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.

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