I went to Indiana last month to attend a support-raising conference. It was interesting
to meet various missionaries and hear about the ministry work they are involved in. When
asked what kind of missions I do, I hesitate for a moment because I'm not sure if
"running a soccer camp program" counts as mission work. During the conference, I
experienced a "mind-shift" that changed my perspective. It's been difficult to think of
soccer outreach in Cleveland as missions, but I'm coming around to the realization that I
am, in fact, a missionary.
Why has it been difficult for me to say, "I'm a missionary?" For one, I'm near a major US
city. Cleveland, Ohio isn't exactly the first place people think of when using the word
missions. Also, the mission "work" I do is hard to describe to others when much of my job
duties seem to be more "play" related, revolving around the game of soccer. I also don't
have teams of people visiting to see the ministry, taking pictures, and reporting back to
their churches.
The reality is, Cleveland is a mission field: People here need the gospel, youth soccer
players and families need to be ministered to, and coaches need training in serving in
their area of influence with integrity and passion. There is no one else that is doing what I
am specifically doing because it isn't easy. But I didn't realize that God called me into
"missions" until very recently. It's strange when you feel like you have become something
you never thought you would be, but I'm glad I am where I'm at and thank God for
orchestrating it all.
