An Afternoon Chat: Missionary Success

I was involved in casual conversation with some people at the office when I was asked one of the most profound and thoughtful questions about my mission: "In your mission trip, how do you define success? What makes a mission successful?" The person who asked wondered if it had to do with the number of conversions, or perhaps it was just a matter of community service, or something else.

When I was a full-time missionary, the definition of success was something I thought about a lot. Even so, I took a moment to think about my answer. In essence, I said that my focus as a missionary was to meet people to teach them about Jesus Christ, and to find opportunities to serve the people in other ways as well. I remember the many times I helped chop wood, as well as the weekly visits to a local nursing home. To be sure, helping others come unto Christ is just as frustrating as it is rewarding, and I am grateful for the times I witnessed people change for the better as they followed Christ's teachings in their lives. My answer to the question, in summary, is that a missionary is successful if they leave an area better than it was when they arrived. Someone in every somewhere you go should be better because you were there.

The conversation moved on to other topics. I am grateful for an afternoon chat today. It was real conversation that benefited everyone. Also, it led to opportunities to share aspects of my beliefs in ways that are relevant to the work I am doing. This internship truly is a blessing.