My Mission Call

I read about the great missionaries
How I'd love to be like them
How I'd love to save a nation
Save a people
From their sins
The Lord has called me
Just like them

This is my mission call
I'm called to serve the Lord
He's put His trust in me
This is my mission call
I'm called to serve the Lord
To be His missionary

I'd like to think the Lord would have me
Save thousands of souls as Ammon did
But who am I to make such a plea
I'm sure He knows what He wants of me

I will go where the Lord would have me
I would do what the Lord would please
I'll serve with all heart, might, mind, and strength
I will go where the Lord would have me
I will do what the Lord would please
I'll be a great missionary

It may be one soul, it may be millions
I can only be obedient
With faith and works I'll be a diligent servant
I'll do my best, I'll give my all
I'll be the best missionary who received my call







1989: My brother Matthew asked me to write a song before he left for his church mission to Oregon. I had recently returned and felt like I had something to say about that. I felt successful as a missionary because I did the best that I could and gave everything I had. At times, I mistakenly compared my performance to other's outward performance, and I never measured up. I learned, however, to measure my success through inward evaluation with the Lord. To this day, I frequently have prayers asking "How am I doing?" Sometimes I get the impression that I'm doing well, while at other times the answer is, it's time for a change, and this is the change required(repentance). For me back then, the message was everybody has the potential for greatness in God's eyes.
My brother-in-law, Matt Ray, and I sang this at church before Matthew left for 2 years. Recently a tradition has started. Before my parents left for Australia, all of the sons and grandsons of my parents sang this song at church. My nephew had the same group and some of his friends sing before he left to Paraguay. I think this song could have some longevity if the tradition continues. I went through a period where I really didn't like this song, and was embarrassed by it. After this tradition started, I look at this song in a totally different way.
There are two recordings here. At the top of the page I'm singing. I recorded it a few years ago in an old man key. Below I'm singing with Jeff Gabbitas. We recorded it in Delano with Kevin Holgate. My high juvenile voice may be what made me not like this song for so many years.