Actually, our "missionary service" is not something that we look forward to in the future; it begins when we respond to God's call to follow Him, whether we ever go overseas or we even go into "full time service." God's Hand is on all His children, and His desire for us is that whoever we are or whatever we do as an occupation, that we "declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).

But more specifically, I would encourage you to assemble your list of friends and possible future economic supporters right away. I would suggest the following: - That you introduce yourself and mention what you have already shared in one context or another, that God has called you to serve Him as a missionary. - That you are about to enter your senior year of college, but that you are asking the Lord to prepare you for His service by "growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus" (2 Peter 3:18) right where you are. - That you are not asking them for money, but that you are beginning to assemble your prayer support team. (We used to literally call our prayer letter, "The Voelkel Support Team.") I would encourage you to do this by establishing an e-mail address list. - Then from time to time (every three months?) send them a little note. You could include a verse that really spoke to you, special prayer requests, events that you are participating in, individuals you are praying for, opportunities to share the Gospel, a book that has been a spiritual encouragement, etc.

Why? What you are doing is assembling a cadre of people who are interested in you, who are praying for you, and who are accompanying you as you prepare for missionary service. As I intimated above, your "missionary service" has already begun, and as you participate in a prayer group on campus, as you seek to reach out to your non-Christian friends, as the Lord deepens your spiritual life - you need the support of praying people who know you and care about you.

When the Lord lays a place of future ministry on your heart and you begin to communicate with a mission agency, this group of friends will be right behind you. And when you need financial support, they will gladly participate, and probably most generously. However, however, Mikaela, the most valuable support you will ever receive is from people who know you, care about you, and have followed your progress as they have prayed for you. It is far easier to get people to give you money than to find individuals who will commit themselves to support you in intercession.

As you build this "Mikaela Support Team" you will be doing them a favor. They will feel part of your life now; and in the future will rejoice with you as the Lord uses you to bless others.