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What you've inherited
As you look around, you probably see brokenness--a skyrocketing national debt, a messed-up environment, regional conflicts, loneliness, and sex as a risky proposition. Fixing the economy, restoring nature, brokering world peace, or discovering an AIDS cure seem like impossible endeavors. Why even try?
It doesn't surprise you that things in this world are broken--including the human condition. That's precisely why the task of world evangelization presents a unique and inspiring challenge. You can't clean up your parents' mess, but you can demonstrate obedience to Jesus Christ. The Great Commission's completion seems more attainable now than ever before! Here are some of the positive attributes you bring to the next millennium:
Caring. To be effective in reaching today's world, you'll need to build significant cross-cultural friendships. Because you tend to place high value on relationships, you will not easily get side-tracked by endeavors that don't directly impact people. And with your tendency to look beyond racial and ethnic distinctives, you make cross-cultural friendships quickly.
Authenticity. As believers in Christ, you desire to teach and model authentic Christianity--the most powerful force in this world. As you work to stay true to that desire and away from facades, you give the world a wonderful gift: evidence that changed lives can happen.
This message is especially significant since many of you come from broken homes and can offer hope to other broken people.
Computer-ease. Your familiarity with computers is a boost to missions. Translating the Bible into another language used to take twenty-plus years. Now it takes six. Computers can even get you overseas quicker! Pursuing an advanced degree overseas can be done on-line. You no longer have to cart a lot of books overseas, either--many are available on CD-ROM or will soon be on-line.
Experience. Long before the term "Millennials" hit the scene, you were going on short-term mission trips through church or para-church organizations. Consequently, you've constructed church buildings in the Philippines, led Vacation Bible School in Spain, held evangelistic campaigns in Ireland, and lived among America's rural and urban poor. These short-term experiences helped prepare you for the realities of the work. One young woman, Darla Hanson, was scared after completing her short-term trip through Europe. "I saw what it really took to be a missionary," she said, "but that didn't stop me from working full-time with missionary kids in the U.S." Eventually, she says, she'll probably head overseas.
 

A few obstacles
Your generation is experienced and faces rich opportunities. But with all the good, there are still some thorny obstacles to contend with. From conversations I've had with both Gen Xers and upcoming Millennials, I gather there are at least three issues which could keep many from moving cross-culturally or else hinder their effectiveness once they do.
Cynicism. At a time when so many are hopeful about fulfilling the Great Commission, the prevailing attitude among those who can complete the task is often one of cynicism. But, as the writer of Hebrews states, it's time to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles . . ." (Hebrews 12:1).
Proverbs 28:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Cynicism blinds our vision of the future God is creating. Cynicism may seem harmless on the surface, but it robs one of vital faith. Shed it to run the race unimpaired.
Lack of rapport with older generations. The Church is both a body and a force. You cannot weaken the body without also weakening its impact. You don't have the option of writing off groups of people within the church. Why not celebrate the contributions they have made?
"We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses . . ." says Hebrews, referring to those who have gone before us (12:1). Let's join arms to accomplish more together that we could ever accomplish on our own.
The need to be re-parented. Many Xers come from homes where parents are separated or divorced. The trend continues with the Millennials. As a result, they may enter missionary ranks with feelings of abandonment and resentment. Having practically raised themselves, many feel they can ignore their pain and function with those feelings indefinitely.
If this is your background, the stress of missionary service might bring some of these feelings to the surface--and you can't hide them as well on the mission field.

Still winners
So how can we overcome some of these obstacles? What this generation longs for most is community. The Body of Christ--the church--can be a new family for many. A healthy, faith-filled church can be a community that dispels cynicism, spans the generations both young and old, and provides re-parenting for those who come from broken homes.
Allow someone in your church or other fellowship group to help you sort out some of these issues before you commit to cross-cultural service. And when you do launch out, expect even more growth: you'll be around some incredible Christians who can serve as mentors and disciplers.
Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough--you've got a lot going for you! If you believe God is calling you to take the gospel cross-culturally or overseas, talk it over with a staff worker, a pastor or a mentor. Then consider a missions agency. Above all, remember Hebrews 12--ultimately, our victory comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus. Jesus doesn't want to hang another label on you, but rather he wants to give you a prize deserving of a good and faithful servant.