Young Men with Purpose: Part 2

Michael G has a fascinating story. He didn’t grow up as a Missionary Kid, yet God gripped his heart from an early age, giving him a desire to use his talents for Kingdom purposes, and to “waste” his life for the sake of reaching those who live in darkness.

It all started with a youth group missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico, when he was fifteen. He went with his friends from church and they spent a short time there building homes. “I really connected with the people,” Michael says, recalling that first experience interacting in a missions context. “I found myself wishing I could speak their language.”

Later, he went on two more missions trips, then recently spent two years working in Uganda. “Many of the people we work with just don't know how to take care of themselves, and feel powerless to improve their situation. Their culture encourages them to be passive and dependent on others.” He describes the debilitating poverty and incredible needs faced by the people. “We helped a lot of women who had been forced to go into prostitution just because they were so poor. We offered them education and taught them about Christ… it’s encouraging to see them able to come out of that life and get a new beginning.”

Michael’s vision is shared by few. His peers – even those in conservative Christian circles – tend to be more interested in achieving the American Dream than throwing their lives into serving God on a harsh field, without the comforts of life in America as we know it. 

When asked about the ratio of single guys to single girls who go into missions, he chuckled. “It’s amazing,” he said, “and a big issue, really. When I was working in Uganda, I met a couple dozen single missionaries. One of those was a guy.”

Michael is passionate about bringing the Gospel to those living without it, and encouraging other young people to catch a vision for using their lives in a meaningful, God-glorifying way. “I’m encouraged about the work!” he said, sounding enthusiastic. “The situation [in Uganda] is really dark, and so much needs to happen. But it’s encouraging to see individuals getting success, and really changing their lives.”

Pray for Michael as he continues to serve in a missions role… and pray that God will grip more young people with a similar vision for Kingdom work! 

Truly the harvest is plenty, but the laborers few.