We’ve been discussing how missions is different now than it used to be.  One of the key differences I’ve noticed in recent years is the number of retirees who are going into fulltime missions after finishing their career in the States.  In some cases, they do the same thing overseas that they did in the U.S.  Retired teachers serve in schools.  Retired accountants and business managers serve in business as missions or in missions offices. 

We also see a number of those in mid-life making career changes into missions, rather than taking another job in the States.  Of course, young people still make up the majority of new missionaries, but not nearly by the margin they used to. 

There is also a far greater variety of opportunities in missions.  Currently, The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) is looking for someone to work with young entrepreneurs in Africa.  In a country where the economy is fragile, there has been a major surge in entrepreneurship among the young adult population. We are seeking a couple or single who desires to impact peoples’ lives and the community through operating a business and forming relationships through the work they do.  You will be managing your business out of a coworking space in the country’s largest city.  While you will be on a team, you may be solely responsible for the functioning of the business.

We are also looking for someone to do addiction recovery work in Cambodia.  Addiction, brokenness, and family dysfunction is rampant in Cambodia, bringing those caught in its web face to the ground in shame.  By receiving God’s care and tough love, those looking for help can find healing, new habits and rhythms for life, restoration for their relationships, and a place in God’s Kingdom.

In South America, the C&MA is looking for a business manager/developer to develop small businesses and a site accountant to keep their finances in order. 

There are as many ways to serve in missions as there are ways to be employed in the U.S.  Actually, in some ways there are more opportunities.  It takes creativity and a passion to see people everywhere reached with the gospel.  Taking All of Jesus to All the World can be done in all kinds of ways. 

When you support the mission work of the C&MA through the Great Commission Fund, you are supporting these and many other creative ways of reaching people for Christ around the world.