What is a missionary? Well, you are.

I used to think that missionaries were only people who went to other countries to share the joys of Jesus. I used to think that they had to endure some form of persecution in order to be really qualified for the job.

I was wrong.

To me, a missionary could be someone in Africa or someone next door. It could be someone sharing their story with strangers, or sharing their story with friends. It could be someone in Ethiopia, or someone in the chair right next to you when you go to school. They could be across the world or across the dinner table.

That's the beauty of it. Anyone and everyone could be one. It just boils down to one thing: are you willing to share your love for Jesus?

I didn't know this until recently. Actually, I think I did know this deep down, but I wouldn't admit it to myself because I was stupid and wanted to be special. That's my own fault, and I apologize. I wanted to be special on my own terms, and not God's. But in God's eyes, everyone is special. That's why everyone can be a missionary.

Sharing your story. That's what makes you a missionary. Not where you are or who you're surrounded by.

This is why I am a Wannabe Missionary. Because no missionary's job is ever done. I can't look at myself in the mirror randomly one day and be like, "Oh, I suppose I'm a missionary now." It doesn't work like that. Being a missionary is doing what needs to be done, and yet realizing that your job is never done, because of how many people in the world there are.

Even when I'm in Africa, I will be a Wannabe Missionary. That status will not change, but I am proud of it. I am proud of what I'm doing and what I'm going to do. I am proud to say that I am not alone in the missionary world. I am proud to say that I am sharing my love for Jesus, no matter if people get mad at me for it or not.

If you want to share your story, do it! It's scary sometimes. I admit that. But it is so worth it to see people telling you that they hear you, and that they learned something. That's such a great feeling.

“Sometimes when we are called to obey, the fear does not subside and we are expected to move against the fear. One must choose to do it afraid.” –Elizabeth Elliot

That quote was brought to my attention the other day by someone who read my blog. This is now what I live by. And for bringing that to me, I consider that girl a missionary too.


I am a Wannabe Missionary. And I am darn proud of it. Ask yourself this: Do you love Jesus? Do you want to share that love? Are you going to actually share it?


If you answered yes these, congrats. You're a missionary. If you didn't, that's alright! Trust me. Spiritual journeys are personal, and I realize that. Just go on the path God put you on. If that path leads you to share, then share. Because you're not alone.