MISSIONAL WOMEN
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​5 Ways to Be a Missionary without Leaving Your House

10/1/2016

9 Comments

 
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​Over the last 5 years or so, our family has faced a great deal of adversity.  We’ve cared for sick loved ones.  We’ve battled unexpected health issues.  We’ve lost a baby. 

Sometimes life is hard.  During seasons of adversity, it’s wise to hunker down at home and slow down the pace of life.  You can’t serve the body well if your home front is bleeding and bruised. 

However, that doesn’t mean that your calling to tell the world about Jesus is on hold.  It just means that your battleground has changed.  Instead of going out into the world to reach the lost, your home becomes a display case for God’s glory to shine.  How you respond to adversity may speak the Truth louder than a Gospel tract or sermon. 
The world is watching.  How will you use your valley season to spread the Good News?  As you press into Jesus as a family, there will be several opportunities to share. 

How to Be a Missionary without Leaving Your House
  1. Start a Blog: In 2010, after we lost our baby, I discovered the world of blogging.  Reading the authentic stories of other women helped me to heal and find hope during a very difficult time.  Later that year, in hopes of encouraging others, I hit the publish button on my blog for the very first time.  Since then, thousands of people I do not know from all around the world have visited my little home on the web.  As I work daily to keep the faith and share the lessons that God is teaching me, the Good News is proclaimed. 
  2. Pick up the Phone: Our tendency during difficult times is to say that we are “fine,” but opening up with vulnerability may create an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to chip away at the stony hearts in your family.  So, when your lost loved one calls to ask how you are doing, share honestly about your struggles and explain how God is helping you work through your day.  If your neighbor is facing the same trial that you are, pick up the phone and call to let them know that you are praying for them and that you understand.  One phone call might just change a life forever.
  3. Write a Letter:  You may be too young to remember this, but back in the day, we used to write letters.  We’d get out a piece of pretty stationary and grab our favorite pen and sit down to communicate in writing.  It’s a lost art, but one that is personal and packed with emotional currency. You can write out your story and share a few lessons that God is teaching you as you wait and pray during a difficult time.  Those who read your words may open their hearts to the God who is your Anchor.
  4. Extend an Invitation:  You may be going through a difficult time, but you still have to eat.  Why not invite a neighbor over for dessert and conversation?   Brew a pot of coffee and pray for God to help you share His story in an inviting way.
  5. Enjoy your Yard: Put your lawn chairs out in your driveway and watch the kids play in the front yard, instead of the back yard.  As folks walk down the street, make sure to wave hello.  You never know when someone may stop to chat about the weather, and the conversation may just turn to current events or another topic that could provide an opening for the Gospel.

Even if you are hunkered down at home, you can be a missionary.  Get creative.  Share your story and watch God move in unexpected ways as you live out the Gospel.  
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About Lyli

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​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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9 Comments
Karlene link
10/3/2016 12:51:28 pm

There's no excuse for not living missional. Love your suggestions, Lyli. Stopping by from #MomentsofHope where we are neighbors today.

Reply
Joanne Viola link
10/3/2016 01:19:48 pm

Lyli, these are all wonderful and practical suggestions which any of us can do. As our family went through some health challenges, I watched as my mom was "a missionary" each and every time she went to the doctor's office. May we realize that God places us where He knows we will be most effective if we but ask Him to open our eyes to see those we need to reach. Wonderful post!

Reply
Virginia link
10/4/2016 02:17:29 am

That's a great article! Thank you for sharing these ways of sharing Gospel from our homes :-)

Reply
Crystal Twaddell link
10/4/2016 07:00:12 am

Lyli, I love how practical this is! I think many times, it is easy to think that we can't make a difference, and it simply isn't true. We are called to plant seeds, and I love that God gives us so many opportunities, even in those that seem insignificant.

Reply
Carrie Anderson link
10/4/2016 11:33:53 am

Love your tips on being a missionary from home, especially the lost arts of writing personal notes and being neighborly. This seems to be something that is being lost in the Church today. Wonderful reminders that we do not have to travel to foreign countries to be missionaries!

Found you through the Moments of Hope linkup at Lori Schumaker and am now following. Feel free to stop by my place anytime where we encourage women to love God with their mnds. Have a blessed day!

Reply
Carrie Anderson link
10/4/2016 11:34:24 am

Love your tips on being a missionary from home, especially the lost arts of writing personal notes and being neighborly. This seems to be something that is being lost in the Church today. Wonderful reminders that we do not have to travel to foreign countries to be missionaries!

Found you through the Moments of Hope linkup at Lori Schumaker and am now following. Feel free to stop by my place anytime where we encourage women to love God with their mnds. Have a blessed day!

Reply
Mary Hill link
10/4/2016 01:35:34 pm

Thank you for these great ideas. I love the one about setting up lawn chairs and simply enjoying your neighborhood. We need to connect more with each other to show His love.

Reply
Tiffany Parry link
10/6/2016 09:41:47 am

I love this Lyli!! Invitations are something that God has really impressed on my heart and I'm trying to be intentional about inviting people into our home. I think it's a bit of a dying art!

Reply
Lori Schumaker link
10/10/2016 02:26:19 am

Love this, Lyli! You are so right! There are many ways to live missionally! Thanks for sharing hope at #MomentsofHope, my friend!

Reply



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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop