“The Gospel with Skin On”: Murray and Sheryl on ministry & discipling young people in Ecuador

How have you seen young people change when they begin to encounter God?

Self-esteem soars.

They boldly stand up for and defend God and His ways and His truth

They choose to do what’s right

They make better personal choices

They continue to love and serve the Lord even when we’re not around

They inspire others to follow Christ

They are examples to other young people and begin to lead them to grow in their own walk with Christ

What’s the biggest opportunity young Christians have today that you didn’t at their age?

Murray: Access to incredible Bible study/reference resources online even including seminary-level education, and resources to bolster your personal spiritual walk even while on the mission field far away.

Sheryl: Instantaneous communication at great distances with your prayer supporters is a tremendous advantage.

What’s one piece of wisdom about cross-cultural ministry you wish more young people understood before they go?

Murray: Humble yourself and don’t leap to conclusions about how locals think or why they see/do things the way they do. You don’t know as much as you think you do, and you must be willing to listen to older mission workers, local believers, and even local nonbelievers, asking open ended questions and seeking to understand before offering solutions. You are probably blind to how your own culture and past context shapes how you perceive and interpret your new context.

Sheryl: It’s harder than you think and it requires patient persistent observation, humility, and gracious responses. It takes a long time to get past the surface and to relate to people at a deeper heart level. So be prepared to do the work and to invest TIME.

What’s one myth about mission work you’d love to clear up for people in their 20s and 30s?

Murray: On the one hand, you don’t have to be a “super” Christian to be an effective mission worker. You don’t have to know all the answers about the Bible or theology to be a mission worker. Today God is using people with accounting skills, audio/video/tech skills, and management/admin skills on the mission field.

On the other hand, you need to go “all in.” Dive into the deep end of the pool with your whole heart and soul and don’t plan to just “spend a year or two” as if you were doing God a favour to give Him a bit of your time. And dive deep into His Word, earnestly working to prepare yourself (2 Timothy 2:15; Heb 5:12-14; 1 Pet 3:15).

Sheryl: It takes longer than you think to make a lasting difference in somebody’s life. One or two years is a drop in the bucket. Plan to stay longer! Short termers who extended their time overseas are always glad that they did.