A good friend of mine, J.T., is one of those Christians who just spills over with the love of Christ. No matter what hes doing, his faith has an impact on those around him. 

Early in his Christian walk, J.T. thought he was being called to vocational ministry. He met with his pastor, who told him that sometimes when our walk with Christ deepens and we start to feel His call on our lives, we naturally assume it means full-time Christian service. But thats not always the case.

J.T. took more time to listen closely to Gods leading and determined he wasnt being called to full-time Christian work. Instead, God was calling him to be on mission as a layman. His pastor supported him completely and encouraged him to live out that calling daily in one of the worlds most unrecognized mission fieldsthe marketplace of North America.

My friend went on to start one of the most successful development companies in North Florida and Georgia.  His net worth today is measured in the millions, but his calling remains as it was when he was that teenager who first felt God moving in his life.  Because of his faithfulness, God has given J.T. opportunities to share his faith with many people over the years. Some are among the wealthiest and most powerful people in North America, such as drugstore magnate Jack Eckerd.

In addition God used J.T. to impact other peers when he served as the chairman of the Governors Prayer Breakfast for the state of Florida for 18 years. Some mission field, huh?

J.T. lives out a mission to which God is calling each of us.

First, he understands that, when God brings us to a relationship with Himself, He doesnt want us to become cul-de-sac Christians. He wants us to live out our faith in a way that will impact others by showing them Christ.

Sometimes it might mean a full-time Christian vocation, but most often it means staying right where we are and ministering to those around us. That calling is every bit as legitimate as the one a pastor or missionary or church staff member receives.

The places we work, the schools we attend, the neighborhoods we live in all have people who need to know Christ in a personal way. If we leave the work of evangelism to pastors and missionaries, many of the people around us wont be challenged with the truths of the Bible.

Just as the Apostle Paul prayed that he would complete the task of testifying to the gospel of Gods grace, we each should find our place in that mission. 

Next, God wants us to tell His story. We all need to be growing in Christ through prayer, Bible study, fellowship and worship, but its not enough just to live an upright Christian life in front of people. We need to be telling the story of what Christ did for us and what He can do for others. And we need to be sure Christ is the hero of the story, not us! Remember its not primarily about us, its all about Him!

Remember the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39? The Ethiopian was obviously searching for Godhe was reading scripture. But he didnt understand what he was reading. He needed someone to explain it. Philip could have said God bless you. Ill pray for you, and moved on. But instead, he took the time to tell the Ethiopian about Christ.

Theres something exciting that happens when we are obedient to answer Gods call and then faithfully tell His story. We cant help but see our world changed.

The Ethiopian responded and wanted to be baptized right away. His world was changed forever. And we have every reason to believe that when he returned to his native country, he told the story just as Philip had told him.

Today, if its an average day in Africa, 20,000 people will be introduced to Christ. The decision of the Ethiopian Eunuch and Philips faithfulness are still changing the world, even today.

What about you? Have you answered Gods call to tell His story no matter where you are or what you are doing in life? Or have you decided its for the ministry professionals? 

Dont miss out on the command and opportunity Jesus gave for all of us to go and make disciples. Youll discover a fuller relationship with Christ. Its a journey that cant help but change your world.

Dr. Bob Reccord is president of the North American Mission Board, SBC. His latest book is Beneath the Surface: Steering Clear of Dangers that Could Leave You Shipwrecked (Broadman & Holman 2002). He is host of the Strength for Living Baptist Hour which airs on more than 400 radio stations.