These past couple of blogs, I have been sharing with you some things that I have observed that are difficult for our missionaries who serve overseas that we sometimes may forget about or not even know. Two weeks ago, I talked about not putting them on a pedestal. Last week I talked about some of the struggles of change they go through making the transition to the field. This week I want to talk about the household.
It did not take long for me, in my career of working with those in ministry (whether stateside or overseas), to figure out that people seem to think that those in ministry have it figured out. To think that they have the best relationship with God, the best marriage, the best children. NOT!!!
Again, they are human beings, like you and me, who have been called to ‘serve’ in another part of this world. They have been equipped for their calling the same as God equips each of us for that which He has called us to. So, to be frankly honest, they struggle in keeping their daily quiet times, staying in the Word, and spending time in prayer. They also struggle in their marriages… maybe more than most because of the other stressors surrounding their move to a foreign land. Many times wives are frustrated at his being gone from home a lot, while she is home with all the children AND still trying to minister to the local women. Each spouse can feel misunderstood by the other. Communication breaks down and then more stressors take place. This, in return, affects the children, if there are any. Sound familiar?
Might I add this, too, on behalf of those ministering here and overseas? Parenting is hard no matter where you are this day and time. Our kids are up against a darkness in this world that most of us have never had to battle. It is flat scary. I don’t care where you live in this world. Please teach your kids to pray for other kids. Teach your kids to pray for missionary kids around the world. And missionary moms and dads, teach your kids to pray for other kids around the world.
We need each other no matter where we live in the crazy ol’ world. And remember, things aren’t always what they seem. That couple sitting next to you in church, that missionary family sharing before your church, that pastor preaching on Sunday morning, that person sitting at the desk next to you at work… could all be on the edge of giving up. Speak kindness to others. You may never know the difference it makes.
Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
His,
Vickie
No comments:
Post a Comment