Bubble.

     "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt. 28:19-2o

     If you're reading my blog, chances are that you already know what the Great Commission is. We memorize it when we're little, and envision the far off places that we'll go when we get older. Kids grow up, and we soon forget what these verses mean. Sure, you can move away for a year or two for missions, but make sure you keep your roots!**

     I have never, thus far in my short life, felt called to go overseas for a year or two. I have always felt like God wanted me in a long-term mission field that I don't need a break from. Why does the mission field have to be overseas? God has yet to give me an greater longing to go across the ocean than to stay on this continent. Maybe it's coming, but no one's told me. 

     What is one suppose to do then? Christians commonly accept the Great Commission as an international calling, but that doesn't appear to be my calling. Am I living unbiblically?

     All the pieces finally came together like a glorious parfait one random afternoon. I realized that we are someone else's "overseas." If people come to America as missionaries, why do Christians think they must leave? I acknowledge and understand that some must fly away, but another continent is not the only place to teach and disciple. American's are no better than foreigners! Christians are suppose to minister in their domesticated lives! America is a nation, and God knows that America needs Him. Gracious. 

     Here's what I propose; let's plug into the communities around us! I don't mean that menno bubble you live in, I mean the nonchristians. *Gasp! You mean I have to talk to people about God?!* Yeah. Admittedly, it's tough to get connected; I, personally, feel like every idea for plugging in makes me come off as a creeper. It's a work in progress. 

     I want out of my bubble! I want to get away from communicating with only Christians and start getting to know the lost and broken. Christians have the answers for their problems, but what if nobody tells the other humans?! We can't sit and complain about a broken world 'cause complaining is just filling an empty void with words, and no action is required. 

     I want my mission field to be where I am in life; a mission where no break is required because it is simply real life. Is that possible? What do you propose? How do you plug into your community? 

     **I'm not completely against short-term volunteer service, but I do, at times, question if it is used too broadly. This is another soap box, but I readily share my thoughts and opinions, if asked.