By Sandra Mullins Bost
Recently, I’ve had the sweet opportunity to take my grandchildren who live locally to church with me on Wednesday nights. They are super involved with their parents in their own church, but on Wednesdays, my daughter goes to a Bible study–so I get a treat! Our tradition is to pick a restaurant and grab a quick supper so we can get there early enough for them to play on the playground with the “big kids.”
Last week, they rode with me to pick up two children they had never met. On the way to get them, I told the grands the children’s names and that their newborn sister was still in the NICU. I also casually mentioned that they had never been to church before. As we drove, two things happened: the grandbabies scoped out the restaurants we passed declaring their favorites, and Middle said a sweet prayer for her new friends. Consequently, none of the babies chose McDonald’s. (Sorry, Ronald.)
When our new friends climbed into the car, they were shy at first—quiet, unsure of what to expect. Unprompted, as we pulled back onto the road, my oldest granddaughter asked the little girl where she would like to eat for dinner. Her answer came softly–McDonald’s.
I turned to make eye contact with the grandbabies, bracing for a negotiation. Without complaint–except a tiny protest from Baby Brother who wanted Taco Bell–the decision was made.
What struck me next is something I am not sure I will ever get over–it was the opportunity to see my grandchildren become missionaries at 3, 5, and 6.
Watching them instinctively care for these children reminded me that missionary hearts are often formed long before we ever speak the word mission. Without prompting, they welcomed, guided, and included—living out the love of Jesus in the simplest, purest way.
There was no hesitation or inhibition. They weren’t worried about saying the wrong thing, offending someone, or being rejected. Their questions came from a place of genuine love–wanting to know if their new friends knew Jesus and if they had Bibles of their own. There was no pressure, just sincere care.
In those small moments, I witnessed the gospel in action.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me…for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). I realized that my grandbabies weren’t just playing—they were practicing the gospel. They showed hospitality without hesitation, kindness without condition, and joy without expectation of reward.
These small acts of care were a quiet testimony that God uses ordinary moments to shape extraordinary faith. As adults, we often feel we have to teach children how to minister, yet here they were teaching me the simple truth that making disciples comes naturally when our hearts are close to Jesus.
Maybe that is why, as my church prepares for my favorite event of the year–our missions conference–the words of Jesus have been resting heavily on my heart: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
We often hear this verse and picture distant lands, unfamiliar languages and formal mission work. While those things are beautiful and necessary, that Wednesday with my grandbabies–I was reminded that the Great Commission begins much closer to home.
Before we ever go, we must first love. My grandchildren were doing exactly that–making space for others, creating safety, and showing what it means to belong. They were not prepared by lessons or training manuals; they were prepared by hearts shaped through seeing Jesus lived out every day.
Missions is not only about crossing oceans; it is about crossing the room–or driving across town to pick up children. It is noticing the shy child, the new family, the one who feels out of place–and choosing to step toward them with compassion. The seeds of world changing faith are often planted in car rides, church hallways, and simple acts of kindness.
If we want future missionaries, evangelists, and disciple-makers, we have to nurture hearts that reflect Christ long before the calling becomes clear. When children learn that loving others is part of following Jesus, they grow into adults who understand that obedience to the Great Commission is not an obligation–it is a joy.
That day, God reminded me that He is always at work, shaping lives through ordinary moments. And sometimes, the strongest picture of the gospel comes not from a sermon, but from small hands reaching out in welcome, and passing Happy Meals to the back seat.
May we never underestimate what God can do through simple, childlike, faith and love.
Lord, help us see opportunities for missions in our daily lives. Shape our hearts–and the hearts of our children–to love as You love, welcome as You welcome, and go wherever You lead, whether across the street or across the world. Amen.
By the way, if you are looking for a church home, I would love to sit beside you at our church! Make plans to join me at Grace Bible Church in Rainbow City next Saturday, January 31, for dinner at 5:00 PM and fall in love with the Great Commissioner!
