Is Migration your Mission?

When there were no many modern methods of transport and communications, missionaries went all over the world to help see people, communities, and societies transformed. They learned new and difficult languages, traveled on bullock carts, and lived with all the plights of the poor. Many of them did not even go back on vacation and died where they went to serve people. That’s the story we hear and read about missions. Let me tell you a story which is only thirty-five years old.

Tim (name changed) comes from Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. He and Steve shared driving a truck from the UK to India. He came to India along with a team to minister to people. I happened to see this truck team in my small town on November evening in 1985. I became very friendly with the team the same day. The leader asked me if I had electricity at home and if I could take Tim home if it was OK for me. Tim had the habit of studying and writing at night and the hall they stayed in did not have electric power. I did not even seek the permission of my parents. Tim and I walked home that night and for a week or so he stayed in my home at night after their visits and witnessing. After a week the team had moved on to other places and after six months Tim had left India for other places to work among the "nighbours". He has been working as an English Teacher in different countries of Asia. I had been in touch with Tim once a while through letters and in later years by email.

Thirty-six years later, Tim is still working as a missionary in a remote country of Western Asia. Tim had got married and his wife followed him. Their three children did homeschooling in their locations in Western Asia and are working as tent makers there. I have not asked Tim any favour and have not received any gift either. That is the mission I understand. But our friends over these years want to go to Tim’s country as missionaries!!! 

Why do many theological graduates pursue migration as their mission? Is it because of their love for the luxuries of this world or the world to come? Why do certain mission leaders want their children to study only in Tim’s country and get them settled there? Is your migration to help yourselves or serve someone?