Missions Monday: Meet the Roughts
In 2021, what is a missionary and how do they accomplish the “mission”? For many years, churches in the United States have sent out, usually with financial support, people to take the gospel to places where it has never been heard. The task usually involves learning a new language and translating the Scriptures into that language. Sometimes the missionaries are doctors or nurses because that provides a way to build a connection with the people one is trying to evangelize.
The 21st century gives us even more creative ways to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Some of you may never have met them, but the Roughts are missionaries supported by BBC. Ryan Rought was a police officer in Minnesota who, as a Christian, excelled in his field. He realized he could use his career, not to make more money, but to be a missionary. He and his wife, Gretchen, train police officers in Costa Rica, and this calling gives them the opportunity to witness to police officers and disciple new converts. They and their two daughters embody the calling to make disciples by doing everything to the glory of God. They have not split their work life with their spiritual life; it is all integrated into a thriving ministry that shows God’s sovereignty in everything.
At BBC, Sunday is the most important day of the week! We have emphasized the need to be together for meaningful worship every week. But that doesn’t mean that we take off our spiritual hats and put on our workweek hats on Monday. Sunday is the orientation for the other days. Every day, how can we put on Christ in every single thing that we do? Do we glorify God through diligence, not wasting time, integrity, going the extra mile? A Christian should be the very best employee at work. Then, how can we use our training, gifts, and calling to give the gospel? NYC is a mission field. Missionaries go on deputation and get support to come to our city all the time. You do not live in an American town that has a gospel-preaching church on every corner. God has already placed you in a mission field—you live here and you are a missionary!
Every night before you go to bed, ask, “How can I advance God’s Kingdom in NYC?” Pray, “Lord, let me be an evangelist in this city that you’ve put me in.” In 2021, we are missionaries. Let’s make disciples.