Missions is Optional? Missions is a calling for some?

As Jeremy and I were feeling the Lord's call in our lives this past Spring we were looking into different missions opportunities. One of the groups was through the North American Mission Board involving families and short term trips that they can do together. I still get the emails from this organization occasionally and this is the one that I received today:

It is with great sorrow that I write to notify you that the North American Mission Board has decided to eliminate the ministry of Families on Mission. This decision has come as a result of dramatic changes that have been and will be made for the future of NAMB. As of November 8, all programming will cease immediately.
The work we have been able to do in the last two years has been significant. ...

This is sad to me. It's sad that missions organizations are cutting back their missions opportunities. It's sad that there is no support for missions from our fellow Christians.

In his book, Radical, David Platt says that "the purpose of the church is to mobilize a people to accomplish a mission." We are here to serve a purpose and all that we do should be directed towards that purpose. The church, the Lord's people, all are called to this purpose. The Bible doesn't say that "some" are called. Matthew 28:19 is not a call to just the disciples. It is a call to all who know and proclaim the Word of the Lord. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." David Platt goes on to say, "but where in the Bible is missions ever identified as an optional program in the church? We have seen that we were all created by God, saved from our sins, and blessed by God to make his glory known in all the world. Indeed, Jesus himself has not merely called us to go to all nations; he has created us and commanded us to go to all nations. We have taken this command, though, and reduced it to a calling- something that only a few people receive."

Where in scripture do you find that anything is more important than proclaiming His name throughout the world? Leading others to saving grace through Christ Jesus is our main work while we are on this earth. Luke 12:34 says, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Where is your heart? Where are your treasures? And compare them to the treasures you are storing up in heaven. What's your priority?? Are our priorities tied up in birthday parties, going out to eat, and relaxing at home with our pj's on? Is this what it's all about?? What missions opportunities have we missed recently because we chose the world and it's comforts??

David Platt ends his book with these words, "...the key is realizing-and believing- that this world is not your home. If you and I ever hope to free our lives from worldly desires, worldly thinking, worldly pleasures, worldly dreams, worldly ideals, worldly values, worldly ambitions, and worldly acclaim, then we must focus our lives on another world. Though you and I lived in the United States of America now, we must fix our attention on 'a better country-a heavenly one.' Though you and I find ourselves surrounded by the lure of temporary pleasure, we must fasten our affections on the one who promises eternal treasure that will never spoil or fade. If your life or my life is going to count on earth, we must start by concentrating on heaven. For then, and only then, will you and I be free to take radical risk, knowing that what awaits us is radical reward."