Can I become a missionary if I have limited education?

“Yes. I’m a missionary even though I am dyslexic.”

I’m dyslexic and I can’t spell to save my life. (Praise God for computers with spell check!) I speak Portuguese (the language of my host country) badly, and I can’t write it. My main ministry is church planting and Bible school. I love the local people and I know they love me in return. Often a person who “has it all” misses being one with the people.

Our African director has the same problem I do and is being used greatly by the Lord in Kenya. If God is leading you to become a missionary, do not be afraid to go. He will guide and lead. If he can use a donkey, he can use me.

Answer from Paul who has served as a missionary in Mozambique for twelve years.

“Your relationship with the Lord means more than ability.”

Some believe that God selects those that are qualified. I think, however, that he qualifies those he selects. No matter what disabilities we have (and all of us have them), God can use us. Education is much more important for first-world people. We in Latin America think what is most important is God’s direction and your relationship with him, no matter what ability or education you have.

Answer from Moises, serving in Mexico.

“God in his wisdom uses our limitations for his glory.”

Read the biography of Gladys Aylward, an uneducated woman who became an effective missionary to China. The first disciples were not well educated men, and neither were many others in the Bible. God in his wisdom uses our weaknesses for his glory. It’s his work, and he certainly can use you if you’re willing!

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-31).

Answer from Christine in Texas.

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