by Jason Kirk Bartley

A missionary leaves their
friends and family
to fulfill their call,
many times, across the seas;
they pack up and leave all
to a place that’s usually unfamiliar,
with faith that God will lead.
His protection, financing, and providence
are among many things they need
so they can follow God and plant His precious seed.
They follow Him to the ends of the earth,
sometimes not knowing where this may lead:
in a foreign country,
maybe in another state,
or sometimes just across the street.
God sends His angels
to guide their hands and order their feet;
they reach out to whoever will receive
the message of the gospel
and help them to believe.
They take the message of Jesus Christ
at home and abroad
to help fulfill the Great Commission
and teach many about God.
We all should have a missionary’s heart;
we all need to spread the gospel cheer.
We all have a testimony and a witness
about what God has done and how He’s placed us here
for a plan and a purpose.
We’re missionaries wherever we are
to see the hurting and the lost;
we do not have to go very far.
Lord, give me a missionary’s heart
no matter where I may go,
to spread the gospel message
and so that others may know.

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Jason Kirk Bartley is a 50-year-old resident of Chillicothe, Ohio. He is happily married to his forever love, Nila. Jason holds a Master’s degree from Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio. A renowned poet, he has received numerous awards for his work and has been published in various online and print platforms. Jason attributes everything to Jesus Christ.