So... what exactly IS a missionary, anyway?

Josh and I went to talk with a few students at a satellite school for UNA that are planning to start a "Proyecto U" group (that's what Chi Alpha is called here).  Since it was out in the countryside, we got to talk for a long while during our scenic drive.  I had asked him some time ago if we could discuss the definition of "missionary."  It has been troublesome to me as of late because that which I want to to with my life isn't strictly what "normal" missionaries do (isn't that a loaded word?!).  This is both because I wouldn't be in any pastoral role, but also because I would be serving in an area where Christianity should be multiplying through the local church. What I mean is that some places shouldn't need missionaries and instead should be sending them.  I also wanted to discuss with him my plans for the future, what possibilities lie ahead, as well as what my next step might be.

Well, I don't know that my first question was really answered.  I guess if I have an answer, its "Don't worry about what a missionary is or isn't.  Just do what you're called to do."  Sounds like sound advice to me.

So the second question... the expanded version includes a portion about me not wanting to raise support both because I just don't want to (let me clearly state that I understand this is NOT a valid reason) and also because I am unsure that what I want to do really falls in the category of what deserves money designated as "missions."  For example... the first time I saw that commercial that looks like it should be about starving children in Africa but instead is actually about abused pets in the states, I actually laughed out loud.  And then I was disturbed that people would actually be duped into giving money to such a silly cause when there actually are starving children in African and elsewhere that are served by wonderful organizations that feed, cloth, and teach them (and that's before we even get to the part about sharing the Gospel!).  Now... I understand that music in the church is a very useful and even Biblical thing... but is it a missions thing?  I don't know.

And... I guess the same answer applies: "Don't worry about what is and isn't missions.  Just do what you're called to do."  Still sounds like sound advice.

Now to the meat of the second question: what are my possibilities for the future and what should I be doing to actuate them?

After my conversation with him, this is where I've decided to walk--in prayer and with my eyes and ears open to what God might say.  First I plan on having a good long talk with John (if I remembered his last name, I'd tell you what it is). He's the missionary that got me plugged in with Randdy Durán, the administrator of World Alive Music.  He grew up on the missions field with his mom and dad who are also A/G missionaries and have recently retired (I think?), but who are still here in Costa Rica.  As a side note...I like the idea of never retiring, at least not in the traditional, spend-the-rest-of-my-days-

relaxing type of way.  He and his wife (and whole family I think) are also musicians and I just found out they they are in administrative positions at the local Bible College.  Hmm.....

Anyway, I'm going to talk with him about the possibility of becoming a Missionary Associate (MA) in January.  I don't know exactly what this would entail, but I'll say what I know.  MA's are usually appointed for 2-3 years to work directly under a fully appointed missionary (that would be John).  Their job would be whatever the missionary deems appropriate. Often this is something the MA and the missionary work out ahead of time.  MA's have to raise their own support just like MAPS and fully appointed Missionaries do; however unlike full missionaries they are usually not allowed to itinerate.  They can only ask friends and family for support, as well as churches where they already know the pastor.  One of the biggest advantages of being an MA is that both the budget and the commitment are "starting size." That simply means, I'm not calling myself a "missionary" or even committing my life to that.  I'm simply walking in the direction I believe God is leading me.

Those are all the bare bones of what an MA does; but here's more specifically what I would be hoping to do.  I'd like to see what John thinks about me pioneering a musical component at the Bible college and if I could possibly be of use to him by bringing down stateside choirs (both from Christian colleges and secular).  This would also give me a chance to become more deeply involved in Café Chorale and to use that experience to become better acquainted with the rich body of Latin Choral music.  I could continue to work with Randdy Durán and possibly start a more permanent choir with World Alive Music.  And possibly most of all (at least on the practical side of things)... I could do all of this--or at least begin to do all of this--while taking full immersion Spanish classes with the CINCEL language school.

So... what do you think?  I also plan to discuss this with Chris & Felicity Buckle, Tony and Lindsay Jones, Billy and Debbie Harper, and Pastor Reynolds as well.  I think after discussing it with all these people, I will most likely have a clear picture of what direction I should head in.