Becoming a Missionary to the Dominican Republic - Part 2

Contributor: Greyson Neumayer

“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14, NIV)

As I sat in the bus headed to the airport at 3:00 am, watching the scenery go by, I thought to myself about the last academic year and all the ways I had grown.  I grew in personal confidence, trust in the Lord, and my ability to overcome insecurities and fears.  As I looked back, I did not recognize the person who had embarked on an adventure to the Dominican Republic back in August.  God began a good work in me, and I had grown and changed over the last nine months.

Participating in The Mission

During my time there, I had the opportunity to serve by building cement water filters and ministering to those in need.  On top of this, I took Spanish classes and did online classes with Crown College, working on my B.A. in Global and Cultural Studies. 

I have been able to grow in my communication skills, personal independence, and confidence.  I have grown as an individual and as a follower of Jesus. 

This is similar to my time during my time in Odyssey Leadership, where we also worked on spiritual formation, individual discipleship and formation, time management, and financial responsibility.  The skills I learned and built up in the Dominican Republic only strengthened and built upon what I learned about and worked on in Odyssey Leadership. 

I was able to further develop these skills alongside my ministry site obligations by having a discipline of doing a daily devotional, group discipleship, time management, and financial responsibility by keeping a budget, grocery shopping, and preparing lunch every day.  As a group, we had a Bible study in the book of Hebrews, prayer meetings in the mornings to start the day, and one-on-one weekly Bible study with a mentor.

The house where I lived in the Dominican Republic

Continuing The Mission

Whenever I come back from completing a sweet and fruitful season of life, it can be difficult returning home.  From the goodbyes of classmates to the reintroduction of life and culture at home, change can be difficult. 

It can be easy to assume my purpose and calling are in the Dominican Republic, and not at home.  It can be easy to think that the God I served and encountered in the Dominican Republic is different back home. 

But Jesus says otherwise. 

While this time in the Dominican Republic might seem like the end of something great, it’s only the beginning.  The good work God started and grew in the Dominican Republic, He wants to continue it in my time back home. 

God has called me to be the “light of the world” - and that does not end in the Dominican Republic.  It does not end in the United States either.  It’s an identity.  A job description.  A way to live life.  A command to follow for the rest of my life. 

During my time home, I’m still on a mission.  I’m still working in ministry.  While it takes different forms, the goal is still the same: to spread the light of the world to the ends of the Earth. 

I’m a witness to my friends and family.  Whether it’s a busy day at home doing homework for summer classes or hanging out with friends from college, I’m on the Mission Field.  There is no limit to how God can use me to spread Jesus’ light and the hope of the Gospel.

God’s Faithfulness

As I have been home for the summer, I have felt the weight that comes with transition. Despite the difficulty, I know I have experienced the faithfulness of God.  I know He is always with me - through the struggle and the triumph. 

As the Prophet Isaiah says,

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV).