By Babett Horn
On April 3 2026 I returned from a 14 day mission trip to Cebu, Samar and Manilla, Philippines I have taken time to journal, muse, talk about and meditate on my experiences there. From long plane rides to meeting some amazing people to rooftop prayers in the mission house of Dr Joy Tica.
I am still processing, even as I plan to join the next team of IWM missionaries going to Indonesia.
What can I tell you about my time as a missionary? The words do not come easily at times and yet I can share the stories all day. I met selfless people who model how to live as a missionary not just be one. I saw this in Dr Linda Balugo who cares deeply for the education, health and spiritual wellbeing of children. I watched Sister Sol Balbero as she hugged children and their parents through her ministry that gives food to impoverished families. The Tica family, all four generations, taught me the beauty of legacy in ministry as they share hospitality, care for each other’s children so others are released into their ministry. This is how you live as a missionary not just act as one.
How does one walk in this daily? It is practice. That’s how. Mission is not a seasonal assignment. It is the everyday calling of every believer. Everyday. Practice.
I want this kind of devotion. I desire to “be” not “do”.
Living as a missionary means understanding that every environment becomes an opportunity for ministry
LIFE PREACHES BEFORE WORDS
The way I love, forgive, serve or even speak is the loudest sermon people will hear.
Light does not announce itself- it simply shines
Living missionally is about carrying heaven’s culture into earthly situations.
Passports aren’t necessary to live missionally. Professions and careers that we might automatically think about when we speak of those called to missions should not be so narrow that we stop at the minister, pastor or teacher. Musicians, artists, athletes, dancers, authors and even construction workers are all skills that are needed in mission work.
The world needs people who carry peace into chaos
People who choose forgiveness
People who love boldly
People who reflect Jesus
The greatest mission field might not be across the ocean- it might be across the street
Every conversation matters
You (I) can live like a missionary now.
Isaiah 6:8 Here I am Lord, send Me.
Babett is an author, digital content creator, and speaker for International Women’s Ministries (IWM), passionate about encouraging women to grow in their faith and pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
