Introverts Serving from the Inside Out

Jehiel Ortiz (right) catches up with TWR International Director of Eastern and Southern Africa, Victor Kaonga (left), and TWR Director of US Hispanic Ministry, Elisa Keefe (center). 

The idea of serving God in missions with TWR’s Spanish ministry fills Jehiel Ortiz with joy, but there’s a problem. Jehiel isn’t a people person. He doesn’t enjoy making phone calls, interacting in crowds or being in the spotlight. The thought of speaking with potential financial partners is overwhelming. How will he overcome his apprehension and follow God’s leading?

If you can relate to Jehiel, you’re probably an introvert. You like to think before you act and avoid making small talk. You might be viewed as unsociable when you just need time to recharge. Though your instincts to avoid uncomfortable situations may make ministry seem daunting, God delights in using people like you to advance his kingdom.

Introverts serving in missions may find some tasks to be more taxing than others, particularly when it comes to approaching potential financial partners. Though this process may push you out of your comfort zone, Jehiel emphasizes that God is the actual provider and the work is up to him.

“In Deuteronomy 31, look at how many times Moses mentions God when he hands leadership over to Joshua – and how few times Moses mentions his successor,” he says. “God is the one who is going to do it.”

Jade and Jana Alger, a married couple serving with TWR in Slovakia, felt intimidated sharing their financial needs in large gatherings but found a method that put them more at ease. “We invited people we knew for dinner and talked with them about life,” says Jana. Jade adds, “Having smaller groups to interact with and talk about the ministry worked well.”  When the Algers felt drained after presenting to a large group, they recharged by taking a few days of vacation.

One day, God prompted Jana to share TWR’s mission to reach the unreached with a friend’s parents. The Algers never would have thought to approach that couple, but they remained obedient and ultimately gained a faithful supporter.

“If it is God’s will, he will bless your effort by providing the people, the resources and the contacts,” Jana says.

TWR invests in each new missionary to personally equip them with many of the tools they need for success. After a full week of training with ministry development specialists, missionary appointees begin their journey feeling much more prepared and supported. TWR’s mentors help keep them on track while encouraging prayerful trust in God to provide partners.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” TWR’s team comes alongside introverts who feel inadequate and gently challenges them to focus on their strengths: listening to others, spotting social cues and responding with empathy. These are gifts from God, meant to be used to glorify him!

Although Jehiel still finds it challenging to connect with people, he knows God will sustain him whenever he ventures out of his comfort zone. Jehiel chooses to act in obedience to God’s will daily, trusting him to provide faith, strength and endurance. As a result, many generous supporters have joined Jehiel in reaching the world for Christ by mass media.

Want to learn more? Check out our Opportunities page to view current openings and see how you can get involved! If you have specific questions, email [email protected] to connect with a member of our Mobilization team. We’d love to share information on how God can work through you to expand the reach of the gospel through the ministry of TWR.