The thought of becoming a missionary is one that is painted in pictures of transition. A short time ago, I was in my hometown in Northern Michigan when God blessed me with a calling to serve as a Bible teacher in Okinawa, Japan. A trip of nearly 7600 miles. Leaving family, friends, and all the things that I knew growing up. All to live in a land where I knew neither the language or culture, to teach as a full-time teacher. This began the process of which I now find myself a part.

A process that, regardless of how bold one may feel, can be daunting for anyone considering the work of a missionary. Beginning, quite often, with questions such as: 'What are the people like?,' 'How will I do in my work?,' and 'What is daily life going to be like?' But there is something more to be said of this that is unseen. An understanding of which we cannot comprehend until we have come to that hour in which that unseen thing is presented. For God has a way (as he did with even Abraham, David, Paul, and others) to qualify the unqualified; teaching us to move from a place of fear and concern, to one of confidence and trust in Himself.

Organizations such as International Ministries (IM), and Okinawa Christian School International (OCSI) have been, for me, a huge part in this. They, like other Christian missions, play a role in the global picture of God's work. Through them God equips missionaries for work in the fields of His harvest.

As we then participate in this harvest, those questions above, move from seeds of concern and worry to become statements of delight. They become thoughts and ideas such as: 'What are the people like?!,' 'What do I get to do in my work?!,' and 'What will daily life be like?!' And as these questions grow, the seeds take root and grow into ambitions of joy and peace; beginning to take up residence in our hearts. In this, God increases our faith as he redefines our understanding of who we are in relation to Him. God, in His mercy, shows us that he is allowing us to participate in His work of redemption throughout the whole of Creation.

Passing through this point in time, our response changes. We move from saying "Lord, is this what you really want?!" to "Thank you for bringing me here!," and through this we are drawn closer to Him. This is a progression, as I have seen with most missionaries, in which we move from a place of self-confidence to reliance in what the Lord is able to do through us.

As a volunteer of IM and a missionary at OCSI, each one has been a contributor to my personal walk with the Lord through the communities I have become a part of. Communities filled with people, who like myself, have made that journey before the Lord. They are a people working tirelessly as we through the outpouring of faith as God brings about incredible works in all the world.

If you want to read more about Ryan, please go to his blog

If you are interested in serving at OCIS or at another opportunity through International Ministries, please email us or call 800-222-3872 ext 2366