Preparing for Missions in High School

A young lady commented the other day on an old article of mine entitled "What is a Missionary?". She asked a couple of really good questions, and I thought it would be worth sharing my response with everyone, especially if you or someone you know is in a similar situation:

Commenter:

I was wondering what type of classes I should take for my senior year or really just what you would suggest as I want to be a missionary eventually. I'm also thinking about going to college so i could get a job overseas possibly as a missionary. I'm interested in microbiology, nursing, languages, and nutrition. Thanks!

Me:

I would suggest taking as many languages as possible in high school. It was my Senior year that I realized that I should actually try to learn Spanish and I was fluent within a year or two after graduating. My school only offered Spanish, but yours might offer any number of languages. 

Also, if you do think you might go to college as preparation for the mission field, then take advantage of any college prep classes in high school or any concurrent college classes that you might be able to take while still in high school. As a Senior, I took two classes at local Bible colleges for credit.  I hope this helps!