Wesley Mills, Author at TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Does God Care About Your Work?

How do you live out God's missional call as a waiter, salesperson or cubicle-dweller? Is it even possible? Photo by TEAM

Jun 26 2018

For the last couple of hundred years, the western world has viewed life as “sacred vs. secular.” Since the Enlightenment Age, we’ve emphasized God coming to redeem you (personal profession of faith) over God coming to redeem the world (making all things right when He returns). There is a feeling that the work you do from Monday to Saturday is different from what you do on Sunday. This line of thinking subverts the work of individuals in the workplace as “less than” because it’s considered secular work rather than sacred. But the truth is that God created work. In fact,…

Why do you really want to go overseas? If you answered with one of these 6 reasons, you might not be ready! Photo by TEAM

May 29 2018

Working for a missions agency, we get to assess, equip and deploy missionaries all over the world. When we assess them, we’re looking at more than skills and gifts; we look at motivations and reasons why someone wants to go overseas. There are plenty of reasons why people go overseas, but not all of them are great reasons. Maybe the intention is pure, and we want to affirm genuine and holy desires. But we also want to steer those desires in ways that truly honor the Lord rather than fulfilling one’s own mission. Some of the most popular reasons people…

Many prospective missionaries feel God is leading them to move overseas, but don’t know where. Does that even matter? Consider the following perspective. Photo by TEAM

Aug 28 2017

Many of us prefer to deal with situations in black-and-white terms and steer clear of the gray areas in the Bible. We like rules, even if we fail to stick to them. But there are areas where Scripture is less clear about what to do, like, “What college should I go to?” or “Who should I marry?” For missionaries, the question is often, “Does God care where I go overseas?” Many prospective missionaries feel God is leading them to move their lives across the world, but don’t know where. They may have some thoughts of where they would like to go,…

Lesotho doesn't make international headlines very often, but this lesser-known nation is in need of Christian workers to go and share the gospel.

Jan 17 2017

When we consider overseas missions, we are often captivated by impact. We consider locations, gifts and desires to “maximize” kingdom effectiveness. Many of us look at cities like London, Tokyo or Dubai where we pray that the ripple effect of our efforts will carry on for generations. The longing is God-given, and if the Lord leads us there, we should joyfully accept the privilege. But it’s good to remember Jesus isn’t confined to big cities and major outposts of industry and commerce. He cares about the less dense populations, the marginalized and the forgotten but equally wanted. He cares about…

Cross cultural relationships aren’t neat and tidy. They require flexibility, humility and compromise. I felt this personally in my friendship with Burundian refugees this year. Here’s what I wish I would have known from the beginning. Photo by TEAM

Nov 01 2016

As a missions coach at TEAM, I love getting to walk alongside others who feel called to international ministry. But I was challenged early on by an applicant who asked, “What are you doing in cross-cultural ministry?” A little jarred, I honestly responded, “Great question. I can tell you that right now, I’m not involved.” That moment launched the past year of befriending and loving refugees in Knoxville, Tennessee. After that conversation, I did some research and found a local nonprofit agency committed to providing protection and assistance in refugees’ journeys. They set me up as an English tutor for…

Should newlyweds go to the mission field? Much like marriage and ministry, the answer is nuanced. Photo by TEAM

Sep 27 2016

In mobilizing folks to the field, I run across people from all walks of life. From the teenager to the young married to the family of five and the retiree. I love that God is calling people of all generations to the nations with his name. Inevitably, I will meet with engaged couples and those on the verge of engagement. Usually, both people are passionate about going overseas, and now, they want to go together. I can’t think of a more beautiful picture than an earthly marriage telling of the coming, better marriage! Most couples are eager to get to the…

Stewarding what God gives us is not a chore for our checklist, it’s an opportunity to join God in redeeming the world. Photo by TEAM

Jul 12 2016

A few years back, I heard a story by Greg Matte, pastor of First Baptist Church in Houston, that shook me to the core. He explained that his friend was throwing a surprise party for his wife’s 40th birthday. (For the sake of this story, we will say their names are Eric and Mary.) When Mary arrived at the house, she was shocked at all the friends who came out. Toward the end of the night, everyone went around the circle and said one word that described what Mary meant to them. Eric was the last one to say something,…

The eagerness to go overseas is good. We should not shun the promptings of the Spirit to pursue international service if the Lord continues to confirm it. But neither should we neglect the opportunities to serve where we are, especially those who live within earshot and driving distance.

Mar 07 2016

It’s an apartment complex. It’s the gymnasium. It’s the Mother’s-Day-Out program down the street. It’s the restaurants, workplaces and community gatherings. It’s in the city. These are where the people of the world live, work and play, and that is where the believer lives, works and plays. For most of us, when we think of cross-cultural ministry, our initial thoughts float toward airplanes, geographical borders and major unknowns. While this can be part of what it means to serve cross-culturally, it only paints the obvious picture. The more nuanced, yet immediate, definition could be walking across the street. Before Serving…

Author - Wesley Mills

Does God Care About Your Work?

6 Reasons Why You Should Not Go Overseas

Does God Care Where I Go?

5 Reasons to Be a Missionary in Lesser-Known Lesotho

7 Critical Things I Learned as a Refugee Volunteer

Should Newlyweds Go to the Mission Field?

We Give Because They Can’t Go Without Us

Serving Here Before Going There