Mission Work at Home: A Call to the Faithful in Small Towns

There’s a stirring in my soul these days, one I can’t ignore.

As an older woman in the Lord, I’ve lived long enough to see seasons come and go. But lately, I sense an urgency—a holy calling—to look around at our own communities with the eyes of a missionary.

Mission work is not just for those who pack their bags and fly across oceans. It’s for those of us who sit at kitchen tables, walk or bike through small towns, and still believe that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

Mission work is for grandmothers and aunts, Sunday school teachers and weary mamas, for fathers who work hard to serve their families—for anyone who says, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

A Commission, Not a Suggestion

Jesus’ final words before ascending to heaven weren’t given lightly. In Matthew 28:19–20, He commanded:

“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.”

That “Go” is not optional. It’s not just for pastors or foreign missionaries. It’s for all of us—right where we live. For many of us, that means right here in small-town America.

The United States, once rich with revival, is now in deep need of reawakening. We cannot assume that everyone in our community has heard the Gospel. We cannot assume our neighbors—or even our families—know Jesus.

The mission field is no longer “over there.” It’s right here.

Why It’s Necessary in the United States

Yes, there are churches on many corners. But not every heart inside those buildings belongs to Christ.

Our children are growing up in a culture that is drifting fast and far from biblical truth. Worldly values shout louder than the still, small voice of God. Many young ones have never cracked open a Bible or heard the simple truth: Jesus loves them.

Our times demand action—not just from the pulpit, but from porches, playgrounds, and potluck lines. It’s not enough to wring our hands and lament the changes we see. We must roll up our sleeves and go to the children.

Why Kids Are the Heart of the Mission

Psalm 78:4 gives us a clear mission:

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”

Children are moldable, open-hearted, and searching. They are the soil ready to receive the seed.

Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

If we don’t reach them with truth, the world will reach them with lies. If we don’t tell them about Jesus, someone else will tell them He doesn’t matter—or doesn’t exist at all.

Everyday Missionaries

We are missionaries to the next generation. Not with fancy degrees, but with open hearts and faithful hands.

Whether it’s:

• Making a cabin safe at kids’ camp,

• Serving a warm meal at Awana,

• Or joining hands with others on a project too big to do alone…

  
  

We work because it is necessary. We go because we are sent. We serve because the next generation needs to hear of Jesus and His love.

Will you look around your hometown with the eyes of a missionary? Will you say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me”?