Why do missions?
Our greatest purpose as Christians is to be in a loving, worshiping relationship with God. Our second purpose is to do the work He is passionate about, to let the world know of His love and goodness.
We are all called to do this, whether we’re pastors or construction workers. Some people are called to do it in their own contexts, their own homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and towns. Others are called to do it in foreign cultures where there is no one else to do it.
We are all called to support each other, whatever we do. As the Body of Christ, we are a family, intended to care for each other. The work I do and the work you do are not mutually exclusive. I can’t do my work without you, and you can’t do your work without me.
Why education?
But education isn’t really missions, is it? After all, I’m going to teach people who are already Christians.
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Acts 18.24-28
Education in connection with the power of God is vital to prepare people for ministry. I can’t reach every country in Europe, but I can help prepare the pastors and missionaries who are going to reach every country in Europe. As a student, I met fellow students who had come to places in their ministries where they realized they needed more education if they were going to be effective. Now I get to help them be effective.
