I am A Missionary

“Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.’ She replied and said to him, ‘Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.’ When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.” – Mark 7:24-30

“My name is Angie, and I am a missionary!” This is what I am supposed to say when I introduce myself, according to Mr. Frank, one of our beloved co-founders of Family Missions Company.

I’m sorry, Mr. Frank. No offense, but I just can’t say that.

“I am a spoiled brat,” would be more fitting. It’s true, and our transition back in the field proved it this week.

The van we use, which is really another family’s van, is out of order. Our house isn’t as clean as I hoped it would be after helping a lady financially to clean it. It still smells of mold, bat caca (poop), and fumigation chemicals. The exterminator, although amazing, missed a couple of critters. I still confuse people to no end when I speak. My husband is clearly not on the same page as me. My oldest son is not here with us. And I am cold, but STILL sweating! Lord, have mercy!

As you can imagine, this has led to some moody responses, especially to my family—and even to God. But it escalated when we had to take the bus from a city an hour away to our town.

Taking the bus isn’t the end of the world. I don’t really mind riding them. It was just…not what I expected. I wanted time to sulk a bit. I want to be clear when I say this: I knew God was with me, even in my sulking moment, and, recognizing the sulking and complaining, I had asked for help with my attitude, but I couldn’t promise I could give anything that would help change it soon. I definitely was not ready for any ministry at that point.

A Nicaraguan refugee enters the bus stop.

In the Gospel yesterday, Jesus went away and didn’t want anyone to know, “BUT He could not escape notice,” it says.

Clearly, this is understandable. He is Jesus—the MESSIAH. Of course, He can’t just escape who He is without notice. Just like a tall, white girl at the bus stop in a Latin American country. People are always watching, and someone is bound to ask for something.

This young lady caught my eye, smiled at me, and stopped walking. She started with a hello and then, “Una pregunta”… (“I have a question for ya”). I wasn’t rude or anything. Although I was not ready, God presented to me an opportunity of mercy. I listened to her story and her request for money to ride the bus. We don’t just give money. Instead, we try to provide what is needed. Many usually just walk away when we say, “We can’t give any money, but we can totally pay the bus driver for you,” but she didn’t just walk away. She stayed and shared with me her life. A very young, single mom with three kids, striving to make the second relationship work out with a guy who is looking for a job, as well as she is. Her attempt to receive some medical attention went sour, and she needed to go to a different town in the opposite direction, two hours away, but at this point, she just needed to get back to her kids. 

God’s heart is usually moved by pity for us humans, and He responds in action to make all things good, no matter what we may be going through. Yes, there are physical needs, but most importantly, spiritual. She touched my heart, realizing that she is just a sweet baby who needs a little help to get back to her family. Of course, I could not resist, but not without reminding her of the importance of the Church. 

Jesus gave us the Church, not just for the Sacraments, but for community as well. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 

When we walk together, our needs eventually show, and the Church, like Jesus, moved by pity, often (or are supposed to anyway) respond in love. I had hoped she understood, and I pray that she plugs into the Church and allows God to move in her family’s life.

As she was leaving for her seat, she and I blessed each other, and she gave me that “I’ll see you later one day” look. It makes me tear up just thinking about it.

The words of co-founder Ms. Genie came to mind afterwards. I once asked her, “When you get to a post, when do you know it is time to start your ministry?” Her quick and repeated response was, “After we break bread.” Well, by this point, our bread had been broken. And now I had someone in front of me whom I did not expect, or even invited, but God knew it was time.

While reflecting on this experience with Chris, he asked me to think about who was the Greek lady begging from the Gospel in my experience—the young lady, or me? I’ll let you decide that one.

In the meantime, I pray this little seed will sprout in the young lady’s life, and I beg for prayers for her from you as well. But, do you know what? Life got a little sweeter for me that afternoon. God had pity on me in my sad state. Although my circumstances had not changed at that moment, my attitude had. God makes all things good for those who love him…even his spoiled children!