Mission Fit

A very uncomfortable situation happened to me last year. As I was sitting with my friend from India telling me about all of the amazing things the Lord was doing through his ministry, he sincerely invited, maybe even implored me to come and help train thousands of pastors who are being sent out all over the country to plant churches. That wasn't the uncomfortable part.

As I got excited about the possibility of visiting another country, I felt a soft but stern prompting from the Holy Spirit as He told me, "You're not ready for that mission." What do you mean I'm not ready for that mission? I've been to 16 different countries. I'm mission-ready. I'm always ready to go to a new place.

Then I began to remember my friend's journey to get to me which will be the same in reverse if I get to go there. Hours on planes, just as many more in cars or trains and even on foot. Preaching and teaching for hours each day. Some places require a level of physical endurance that is severe.

I was so convicted. I've got to get myself mission fit.

Wherever God calls me to the ends of the earth, I don't want anything to stand in the way of my obedience to that call.‍

I want to stay mission ready. If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.

But while we're talking about it. Are you missions fit? How can you be ready for God's call to the nations? Here's some quick suggestions.

• Get your passport. You can't go anywhere without it. It's a step of faith, and it's a great first step. Already have one? Time to renew it? Check it out. It's a great way to get ready.
• Get reasonably fit. Can you walk 2-3 miles in the heat carrying things for days or weeks at a time? Is your core strong enough for planes, trains, and automobiles? Can you carry a heavy bag of supplies? What's keeping you from building up your physical endurance?
• Learn about cuisines from other parts of the world. Get to know the flavors. Try something new. Expand your culinary horizons.You might not be blessed to live in an international city like Houston where we can eat food from all over the world, but what if you started to try even just a few unfamiliar foods? When you go on mission, you eat what they have or offer, and you are grateful to have it. Give new foods a try!
• Pray, Give. Go. - What nations are you praying for? What injustice breaks your heart? How frequently are you praying? What about investing financially? Are you putting financial skin in the game on a regular basis? Even a little investment goes a long way to help people bless people. OR, do you have a missions savings account? Are you saving up to have the funds to go on a trip? Start small, and start now. You won't regret it. Finally, has God already showed you where you want to go, but you haven't gone? Maybe 2026 is your year? Where's your church going? Where are some of the Links connections working? There are so many places to go. There's no reason it can't be you going...if you're missions-ready.

We're here to help! Whatever your heart for the nations is, we've got an opportunity for you. Please reach out if you have any questions, need any information, or if you just want us to pray for you. We're here for it!

Happy 2026, everyone!
Jason