Embracing the Call to Go: Journey to the New Age Mission Field
My story started at 21, fresh out of my theology degree and full of passion. I took my first mission trip to Ecuador, where I spent two life-changing years learning the language and culture, praying with the sick and homebound, teaching English, and starting a Bible study with the local high schoolers.
For a brief moment, I considered “going” to China, by taking a discernment trip that encouraged the underground church through home based praise and worship events. But through prayer and discernment, I felt God calling me back to the Spanish-speaking community in my hometown of Phoenix.
Eventually, I got hired at a bilingual church, and spearheaded the development of a youth program. I implemented and contextualized a program that “only worked in white communities” and created a vibrant and diverse youth community. After five years, I was invited by the publisher to “write in” my cultural adaptations to the program itself and then developed the curriculum for the next five years.
But then came burnout. Ministry work was rewarding, but I was tired of giving and needed a break. My plan was to quit, get an MBA, and secure a “big girl job with a big girl salary.” I enrolled in the Thunderbird School of Global Business Management, planned a 4-month backpacking trip through South America, and was ready to resign. Then COVID hit, and all my plans got turned upside down.
Eventually, I did make it to South America, working remotely on my MBA, and it was during this time that I encountered the New Age community—a turning point that made me see a need for God’s love and light in places I hadn’t fully understood before.
The Role of Goers, Prayers, Mobilizers, and Senders
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that “going” is just one part of the Great Commission. I also needed “prayers,” people faithfully lifting me and those I was sent to in prayer. There were “mobilizers” who encouraged and advised me and “senders” who offered financial support to make my journey possible. Before I went, I was also a “learner,” preparing myself through study, short-term mission trips, and community.
When we hear Jesus’ words to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), we need to remember that "going" takes different forms. Each of us has a role in this mission—whether we are goers, prayers, senders, or mobilizers. Paul reminds us that "we are all parts of one body, and each part has its own work to do" (Romans 12:4-5), showing that fulfilling the mission depends on all of us. Take a moment to listen. What perspective are you reading this from? What might Jesus be asking of you?
Engaging with the New Age: Where Faith Meets Curiosity
At this point in my story, I am traveling through Mexico and South America, getting my MBA remotely. I stayed at a hostel that offered yoga classes. At first, I was hesitant—wasn’t this New Age territory and dangerous? But I reminded myself that God’s power is greater and one of His gifts is free will. I choose to use my free will and power and authority in Christ to worship the one, true God and King of the Universe.
Unexpectedly, through yoga, I experience the presence of Jesus. I keep on going, seeking Jesus and asking Jesus “what are we doing here at yoga?” I soon make friends who are having spiritual conversations about spiritual things and share about my personal relationship with Jesus. They are wildly accepting and curious.
One woman named Kelsey was exploring crystals, tarot, and had some confusing experiences with Scientology and even Christians who mocked monks during a visit to a Buddhist temple. We bonded over our shared frustrations and confusion from church goers, and I shared how my relationship with Jesus has been a constant and full of love and understanding, even amid church struggles. This opened her heart to ask me more questions about prayer, worship, and my journey with Jesus and she ended the conversations, “Maybe I’d like your church?”
Answering the Call to the New Age Mission Field
Through this journey, I’ve realized that there is a profound hunger for spiritual truth in the New Age community. New Age seekers are searching for purpose and connection, often just needing someone to walk beside them, answer their questions, and point them toward Jesus. It is with this understanding that I participate in the Burning Man team and mission, which most of this blog is about. I dream about doing more outreach locally. There are many local festivals that I would like to set up the lounge in and host a spiritual atmosphere and have spiritual conversations. We have the equipment, we are growing a team, it is coming along. We are still time poor, many of us are juggling work and mission. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
As I continue to serve, I humbly invite you to consider which role Jesus has placed on your heart: learner, prayer, mobilizer, sender, goer.
For the Prayer Partner: May this deepen your understanding of the spiritual curiosity New Agers have, and the other spiritual things that need to get cleared from their path on their spiritual journey.
For the Goer: Maybe this has stirred something in your spirit, and you’re feeling a tug to join me on this journey! The harvest is ripe, and there’s room for more workers in this field.
For the Parent Concerned for Their Kid: I hope you leave this session with a clearer perspective on your child’s spiritual searching. Engage with them authentically, ask questions, and trust that Jesus can use these small moments to reveal Himself.
For the Former New Ager: I hope this sheds light on your past, giving you space to process and engage with it in a way that fosters healing, rather than just shutting it out.
For the Sender: I hope you’ll see this community as a unique people group who needs the Gospel just as Zacchaeus the tax collector did. Your financial partnership in sending workers to this mission field is invaluable.
About the Author: Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.
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