As members of the mystical Body of Christ, we are all called to the common mission of the Church: to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and share the love of God with others. For most Christians, this means serving as an evangelist in our own backyard — proclaiming the Gospel through words, actions and the witness of our life to those around us — in our daily lives at home, work, school, or play.

Yet a few of us feel a deep longing to reach beyond the comfort zone of one's own upbringing and familiar surroundings to live and serve God in a foreign culture rich with a unique blend of challenges and blessings. Where is Christ calling you?

Is this life of foreign ministry calling to you?

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

• Do you feel a strong desire to serve God in a foreign culture?

• Do you have experience living abroad and possess an affinity for Asian language and/or culture

• Are you actively involved in Christian ministry at home, yet feel called by God to serve Him in a new and challenging environment?

If you are discerning a call to serve as a foreign lay missionary, we encourage you to contact us and learn about the opportunities that are available to serve God and His people in Asia through the St. Francis Xavier Lay Missionary Society. Click here for an Overview of our Mission to Asia.

Recommended reading

• Acts of the Apostles

• Ad Gentes

• Evangelii Gaudium

• Lives of the missionary saints

  • St. Paul the Apostle

  • St. Francis Xavier

  • St. Junipero Serra

  • St. Isaac Jogues

  • St. Joseph Vaz

  • St. Damien of Molokai

  • St. Teresa of Calcutta

  • Alessandro Valignano

  • Ven. Matteo Ricci

  • Hudson Taylor