Missionary Meaning
Missionary Definition & Usage
A person sent on a religious mission, particularly one to promote Christianity in a foreign country or among non-Christian communities.
Examples
- "The missionary spent years in Africa, spreading the teachings of Christianity."
- "Missionaries often face difficult conditions in remote areas, where they work to improve local health and education systems."
- "She felt called to be a missionary and help the less fortunate in South America."
- "The missionary's work involved not only preaching but also providing medical care and educational resources."
- "Many missionaries have contributed to building schools and hospitals in developing countries."
A person who is dedicated to spreading a particular cause, idea, or belief, often in a passionate or persuasive manner.
Examples
- "He became a missionary for environmental sustainability, traveling around the world to raise awareness."
- "She was a missionary for social justice, always speaking out against inequality."
- "As a missionary for free speech, he advocated for open discussions in public forums."
- "The company’s CEO was a missionary for innovation, always pushing new technologies and ideas."
- "They became missionaries for the cause of animal rights, working tirelessly to change laws and public perception."
Cultural Context
The term 'missionary' originates from the Latin word 'missionarius', meaning 'one who is sent'. Historically, missionaries were primarily associated with the Christian church's efforts to convert people to Christianity in various parts of the world. While religious missionary work continues today, the term has evolved to describe individuals advocating for a variety of social, political, or ideological causes.
A Mission of Compassion
Story
A Mission of Compassion
In a small, remote village nestled between hills and forests, Sarah arrived, carrying nothing but a satchel of books and a heart full of hope. As a missionary, her goal was clear—help those in need and share the gospel. But what she didn’t expect was how deeply the village would teach her about life, resilience, and community. In her first days, she faced skepticism. The villagers had seen foreigners come and go, many promising much but leaving little behind. Yet Sarah persisted. She began teaching children, building a small school where there was none. In the afternoons, she worked with the women, teaching them basic hygiene and farming techniques. Slowly, trust began to build. One evening, as she sat under the stars with a few villagers, she realized that her work wasn't just about converting others. It was about service, compassion, and making a tangible difference. It was a missionary’s work in the truest sense, not merely of preaching, but of living her message through action. As the years passed, Sarah became known as a missionary not just for her faith but for her unwavering dedication to improving lives, bringing education and healthcare where there was none. The village, once isolated and wary, began to flourish. And Sarah knew that, in her own way, she had become part of a much larger mission—one that was far more than just religious.
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