Through OM’s Marketplace Worker initiative, Christian professionals—from doctors and domestic workers to engineers and hairstylists—are intentionally living out the Gospel in their jobs and everyday lives overseas.
“My Job Is My Ministry”
“I got involved in my profession as a civil engineer mainly because I liked math and science,” said Charles*. “I liked the idea of being able to point to a building and 10, 20, 30 years down the road being able to say, ‘I worked on that building.’”
After high school, Charles went on a short-term missions trip, where he felt God leading him to pursue full time ministry overseas. However, with his college plans already lined up, he struggled. “I felt that it was either-or,” he shared. He didn’t think he could earn his degree in civil engineering and follow God’s plan for his life.
But Charles’ mentors and people at his church encouraged him to pursue his education, noting that a degree could open doors in the future. “From the first day on campus, I had confirmation after confirmation after confirmation that getting a college degree was the right thing,” he said.
“God used that time at university to build me up and to strengthen me as well as prepare me to go into a place where doors aren’t open for traditional overseas missionaries.”
Today, Charles is a construction manager in the Middle East—“basically doing the same thing I was doing in America,” he noted. But now, the majority of his coworkers are Muslim.
“My job is my ministry,” he emphasized. He develops natural relationships with his colleagues by driving around work sites together, sharing lunches and visiting each other’s homes. This is the essence of OM’s Marketplace Worker initiative, empowering ordinary christians to share the Gospel in some of the least-reached countries of the world.
“I have many opportunities to interject truth into conversations with guys at work and basically share my life with them and allow them to see that I am different.”
Seeing Jesus in Charles’ Heart…
A coworker came to Charles’ desk one day and asked if he had ever heard of the music group on his phone. “Sure, I’ve definitely heard of Hillsong United,” Charles said.
Later that day, when they were visiting a jobsite, the man played the same song over Bluetooth, its lyrics echoing through the truck: All I need is You, Lord, is You, Lord…
When Hillsong United scheduled a concert in the Middle East, Charles bought two tickets and invited his coworker. His coworker told Charles he couldn’t go because he didn’t have a cross necklace.
“Dude, I don’t have a cross necklace!” Charles responded.
“Yeah,” his coworker replied. “Yours is in your heart.”
“It blew me away that he recognized that I carry Jesus in my heart,” Charles shared.
“I feel blessed that I can combine my passion for civil engineering…with getting to be a witness for Jesus, getting to shine truth and shine light in dark places and building relationships with Muslims.”
Operation Mobilization (OM), USA is a global organization working with 6,800 missionaries in 118 nations to build communities of Christ followers, provide humanitarian assistance and demonstrate compassion. Though the Gospel has been with us for nearly 2,000 years, 2.8 billion people have never experienced its message of love and hope. In many cases, these same people are being crushed by unspeakable poverty, horrific injustice and cruel social and political systems. With nearly six decades making inroads into the farthest corners of the world combined with a pioneering 21st century approach, OM is uniquely equipped to address these issues.
Whether it’s rescuing enslaved women in Asia, assisting refugees in Europe, or developing bodies of believers in the the Middle East, we pinpoint ways to strengthen local communities and use the opportunities God presents us along the way to share The Bible’s life-giving message. When you partner with OM USA, through your professional work, financial generosity, and/or prayer, you become an important member of a worldwide movement with eternal significance. With operations in nearly every region of the world, the sun never sets on our operations, meaning you will be part of a team serving the needy and spreading the Word of God every minute of every day. Few other organizations allow you to see your time and talent reach so far or impact so many.
On MissionFinder, we have over 1,000 ministries offering mission trips, internships and job opportunities like this to serve at home and around the world. Does your church or organization need help organizing mission trips? Check out our partner site, MissionMinder.com. Their easy to use software will help you manage all the details for your short-term mission trips and team members online. Unlimited Trips. Unlimited team members. Easy online fundraising for your team members. Try it free for 30 days. Learn more here.
