Evangelistic Focus Amidst Chaos

In partnership with

Dear Missionaryish Family,

When we think about evangelism and our call as followers of Christ, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Reagan and I talk a lot about the reality of which ministry we should think about supporting or which friend to engage with. It’s really really hard. I honestly don’t always know. Is it World Concern? Gaza? Ukraine? What about our Bangladeshi and Pakistani neighbors? If I’m honest, I feel my heart freeze most of the time and desperately need the Lord to warm it up. We look at the world—at all the pain, the loss, the endless stream of needs and headlines—and feel the weight of responsibility for everyone and everything. But the reality is, God doesn’t ask us to carry the whole world. Evangelism’s effectiveness isn’t about being consumed by the burdens of all the lost; it’s about faithfulness to the few God has placed within our reach. Sometimes, even family members may not be ours to reach—not because we lack love, but simply because God appoints others for certain roles. Our job is to steward what’s right in front of us and this will be different for all of us. Of course, this is much easier said than done. We really need God’s help in prayer.

We live in an age where information is constant and overwhelming. Just a couple of decades ago, we weren’t bombarded with information about every crisis around the globe. The internet and smartphones have democratized news—now, we hear about tragedies in countries we’ve never visited, and stories from people we’ll never meet. The temptation is to feel responsible for all of it. I wrestle with this: Am I responsible for every hurt just because I know about it? The result is often paralysis. Instead of doing something meaningful, I end up scrolling, absorbing more pain, and feeling guilty for not doing enough. But is that the legacy God calls us to leave?

The answer, as I’m reminded again and again, is to remember who we are in Christ. We are not called to be God. We are called to be soldiers for Jesus. We exist to serve and seek to understand his call on our life.

Paul goes to great lengths in scripture to remind us: we are in the middle of a war. Not a war like we see in movies—where the carnage is obvious and physical—but a deeper, spiritual war. Before violence erupts in the world, before wars break out in places like Syria, Ukraine, or Russia, there is first a war within: unrest and discontentment that begins in the heart and mind. The invisible battles always precede the visible ones.

Even those who rule and lead often forget: it’s the internal battles—principles and values—that ultimately shape nations, cities, families. We are soldiers, called to serve one Master. That means there are things we can and cannot do—just like in the armed forces.

What soldiers in the armed forces are required to do:

• Obey commands without question

• Maintain discipline and follow the chain of command

• Wear prescribed uniform and maintain appearance standards

• Participate in training and drills

• Protect and serve their unit and country

What soldiers in the armed forces cannot do:

• Disobey lawful orders

• Abandon their post or desert

• Engage in unauthorized activities or fraternization

• Act independently of orders

• Break military law or code of conduct

Serving in the military means surrendering your personal freedom for the sake of something bigger. Disillusionment sets in when leaders don’t live up to the ideals they ask others to follow—something true in every army, in every nation.

But sacrificing for the greater good is not foreign to us—it’s just that, as civilians, we often forget what is required of those who serve. If this is true for men and women who serve their countries, what does it mean for the Christian?

Scripture is clear: Christians are called to be soldiers of Christ. The standards are even higher. We are called to love and lay down our lives—even for our enemies. No human army requires that. But Christ does. And what is impossible for us is possible with God. He has empowered countless believers across the ages, and history testifies to it.

There is a unique freedom in being a soldier for Christ, and it reshapes our lives in three key ways:

1. Frees us to focus

   1. We are not called to carry every global burden. God asks us to faithfully tend to those He’s placed in front of us: our children, neighbors, colleagues, and those He brings to mind in prayer.

2. Lets us follow wholeheartedly

   1. Even when Christian leaders fail, we can trust Christ’s commands without hesitation. He has already proved His love and paid the ultimate price for us. No earthly leader would—or could—do that. Because of Christ’s faithfulness, we don’t have to fear disillusionment; His character is unchanging.

3. The path to victory is already secured

   1. Unlike worldly ventures full of uncertainty, God’s promises are steadfast. The call of scripture is alive and well. As we walk in obedience, we see the fruit of God’s work—a love that persists even in the face of failure, a power that cannot be extinguished.

Let this be our encouragement: we don’t have to save the world—just be faithful where we are. God has already equipped us for the people and moments in our daily life. Move forward today, trusting that our obedience matters, knowing that the smallest act of love and faithfulness in Christ’s name echoes in eternity.

So, take the next step. Pray for courage, serve with love, and remember—victory is already won. Stand firm and press on as a good soldier of Christ.

Now let’s go love our neighbors.

Much Love,

David & Reagan

Prayers

• Focus and Discipline in School: Continued prayer for this as this week has been a bit rough balancing family as Reagan got sick. I haven’t been able to get through as much as I needed. With that said, I am learning faster than before with Greek and grateful for your prayers!

• Recovery from Sickness: Reagan got sick for several days this week with chills, fevers, aches and is recovering. Pray that she can get some more help this week. It’s rough for the family when mama’s down. Pray for Levi too as he’s had rough time feeding this week.

• Boys are starting school: Judah and Ezra will be in pre-K next month on the 13th of August. Please pray for them and our new rhythm!

• Missionaryish Deployment Team: We're in the preliminary stages of putting together a team that is separate from our governance board. This team will help raise awareness about Missionaryish's work. Please pray that God brings the right individuals together for this effort. If you're interested in exploring this opportunity with us, email us at [email protected] or text me at 619-940-5391.

• Financial Goals: Praise for God for reaching 69% of our living expenses goal for this year for 2025. Pray that we meet our full living expenses goal next year and progress toward operational funding for the ministry.

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