“If this is what it’s like to have God’s heart for the nations, I want to do this the rest of my life.”

When Emily joined Missionary Training School, she came expecting lessons on how to do missions in cross-cultural contexts, methodologies of church planting strategies, and language learning techniques. While those teachings did transpire, she soon realized that God was teaching her about His heart for the nations. 

Emily said, “I chose Missionary Training School (MTS) because MTS brings a practical, daily application. The staff don’t just tell me how to do missions, but they show me how to do it. They put me in the right context. They didn’t just equip me in the classroom, but took me to the streets, knocked on doors with me, and sat on couches as we ministered alongside one another.” MTS isn’t just theoretical knowledge, it’s practical application that goes beyond the classroom. It’s demonstrating that living out the Gospel is a daily commitment.

She continues, “At the very first door we knocked on, a woman greeted us and immediately invited us inside. We were perfect strangers, but she moved clothes and things to make room for us on her couch. I had never seen hospitality like that before.” Her acts of kindness set the stage for a deeper connection as she shared her testimony, revealing the impact of God’s work in the nations. Emily’s heart was gripped.

Where Emily thought she was here to minister and teach about God, she ended up recognizing and learning how sweet it is to have true fellowship with brothers and sisters of Christ, all around the globe.

The one-on-one discipleship model of Missionary Training School allows participants to feel equally challenged as they are encouraged. As Emily says, “Now I know that I can do this. I can live my life this way because I have been shown how to. I think all believers need to know how to live out the Gospel every single day of our lives.”

Emily says her key takeaway from her semester in Missionary Training School is the transformational power of living in community. The commitment to living in close proximity to others, even if it meant stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing vulnerability, seemed worth it. The prospect of being challenged and held accountable by fellow believers in Christ became a catalyst for deep spiritual growth. 

Reflecting on her journey, she realized that staying isolated in a self-sufficient mindset thinking, “I can do this by myself”, would have hindered the opportunity to build relationships and love people from diverse nations. Embracing a posture of humility opened the doors to witnessing what God can accomplish through a surrendered life.

In the end, she decided if this is what it means to have God’s heart for the nations, the commitment to a lifetime of missions and intentional community becomes a joyful and worthy pursuit. Even in the face of challenges, “this is about how the Lord can use my life because He is worthy of it all.”

Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth.

[Psalm 67:3-4]

Missionary Training School applications are NOW OPEN for Fall 2024. Come get equipped to serve among the nations with the head knowledge, heart character, and hands-on experience for effective cross-cultural ministry locally or overseas.