Children's Corner: How Do I Become a Missionary

By Rachel Freese

Anne was born one hot August morning in 1977 while her father was on leave from his aircraft carrier. Her mother would soon be left alone again to tend this new baby and her older sister Sarah.

From the time Anne was old enough to know that people had to be something when they grew up, she decided to be a missionary. Her parents did not put any pressure on her; she might not have listened if they had forced her.

Don Stone, a missionary to Berlin, preached at her church when Anne was ten. As the invitation was given, she knew it was time for her to make a public commitment to serve the Lord on the mission field. Her mother realized this, too, and together they walked the church aisle. As the congregation filed by after the service, they congratulated Anne for her decision. One man said, "I'll go to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, but as for the uttermost parts of the earth, that's up to you, kid!"

That night, her parents dug out every missionary story they owned. Anne was glad her mother and father accepted her decision and encouraged her. But no matter who did-or did not-take her seriously, she was determined. She did not know a whole lot about being a missionary and had much to learn, but she KNEW God was calling her to be a missionary.

As time passed, Anne sometimes forgot about being a missionary, or even felt embarrassed about her decision. Then, the summer when she was 15, Anne went with her youth group on a missions trip to Mexico. She set off on the trip with joy and returned home full of excitement. She couldn't wait to be a missionary! The next summer Anne spent another week in Mexico, and after high school graduation, she went for two months.

Anne entered a Bible college with high hopes of completing four years and joining a mission. But, things did not go smoothly. She ran out of money after just one semester and had to go home. At first Anne was disappointed. Then she found that God wanted her to learn to be a missionary by working in her own church. She taught Sunday school, worked in AWANA, and helped in other ways.

Some friends told her about college courses she could take through the mail. Next she had to choose a mission to work with. Anne's big sister told her about ABWE, but her pastor did not know about this mission. As Anne's pastor learned, he was pleased with what he found, and told her to apply to ABWE. Anne was the FIRST missionary ever sent out by her church; the same church in which she had surrendered to missionary service when she was ten.

ABWE invited Anne to attend the 17-day Candidate Seminar in 1999. During those days she learned about the work missionaries do all over the world. God spoke to her about the need to tell children of Jesus, and lead them to follow Him and work for Him.

This story is true. I know, because I AM that little girl. My name is Rachel JoANNE Freese, and I hope that very soon, I will be serving God on the mission field. Have YOU ever thought about doing that?

How can YOU become a missionary?

1. Believe on the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin
2. Make a decision to serve Him for your whole life
3. Tell that decision to some person, or to your whole church
4. Read all you can about missions and missionaries
5. Talk about your decision with your pastor
6. Learn about different missions
7. Study hard and get a good education
8. Work for the Lord in your own church
9. Take a missions trip, if possible
10. Pray much, and trust God to guide you

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