Ministering to the Lost: Seeing the Mission Right in Front of Us

Author

Elder Jim Fairchild

Many Christians imagine “ministering to the lost” as something dramatic such as traveling across oceans, preaching to distant nations, or stepping into dangerous places. But what if some of the most important opportunities to share Christ’s love are already woven into our daily lives?

​Years ago, while working for the Department of Social Services, I had a colleague who struggled deeply with this idea. She believed that the world had nearly exhausted its opportunities to preach the Gospel. Because radio ministry had reached so many people (this was before social media), she feared that soon there would be no “lost” people left to minister to.

Her solution was urgent and dramatic: find a young missionary, get married, and move to Africa; because in her mind, Africa was the last place where the Gospel still needed to be preached. When I suggested that her work as a children’s services social worker was already a powerful form of Christian ministry, she disagreed completely.

Years later, I returned to that community and asked about her. I learned she had left social services, married a local farmer, and became a high school teacher. Her dream of ministering to the lost had faded, not because the opportunities disappeared, but because she never recognized the ones God had placed right in front of her.

The Mission Field Is Bigger Than We Think

She believed ministry was a one‑time, urgent task, something to be done “before it was too late.” But ministry to the lost is not a countdown; it is a lifelong calling. It is ongoing, relational and often quiet. It happens in classrooms, offices, grocery stores and living rooms. It happens wherever God’s people are willing to be present.

​Scripture reminds us that God’s heart is always turned toward those who are searching:

 “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10 (NRSV)

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36 (NRSV)

​“Let my word be preached to the bruised and the brokenhearted as well as those who are enmeshed in sin, longing to repent and follow me.  Let the truths of my gospel be proclaimed as widely and as far as the dedication if the Saints, especially through the exercise of their temporal stewardship, will allow. My Spirit is reaching out to numerous souls even now and there are many who will respond if you, my people, will bear affirmative testimony of my love and my desires for all to come unto me.” 
​D & C 153:9a-b

​These verses anchor us in the truth that God’s mission is ongoing and He invites us to participate wherever we are.

A Missed Opportunity on a Bus

​There’s a story about a young man who prayed earnestly for a sign, something unmistakable, to show him when he should witness to someone who was lost. One morning, while riding a bus, a large, rough-looking man sat beside him even though the bus was nearly empty. The man began to weep openly, crying out to God for someone to show him the way to salvation.

The young man bowed his head and prayed, “Lord… is this the sign?”
 
Sometimes our desire for clarity blinds us to the obvious. Sometimes the opportunity is already sitting beside us.

The Lost Are Not Far Away

​The world is full of people wandering in darkness, confusion and despair. Many are longing for hope, for compassion, for someone to see them. Ministering to the lost doesn’t always begin with a sermon, it often begins with a small act of kindness, a listening ear, or a simple word of encouragement.
 
Jesus describes His followers this way:

​"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”   
​Matthew 5:14-16 NSRV

​Light doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to shine.

Everyday Ministry Matters

​My former colleague believed she needed to cross an ocean to serve God. But the truth is that ministry is not limited by geography. It is limited only by our willingness to see people the way Christ sees them.

​How many opportunities have we missed because we were looking for something bigger, louder or more dramatic?
 
God’s mission field is not only “out there.” It is here. It is now. It is wherever you are.