Some Blunt Year End Confessions of a New Naive Missionary

With the changing of the year, I've been reflecting a lot about what all we've been a part of this year and what we plan to be a part of next year. Basically, all that thinking comes down to some blunt commentary on a few topics. I've decided, rather naively, to share those with you. I hope they will be read with a gracious heart and that they may give a glimpse into some of the dynamics of navigating life abroad.

1. Money

Any of you like to ask for money? Guess what?! We don't either. I promise you. It's probably the most humbling, un-fun, annoying, makes-us crazy aspect of life as a missionary. You see, for us to do what we do and to be able to focus our time on the field, we have to have income. How would you go about getting your groceries, feeding your family, and taking care of all mundane aspects of your life without an income? You see, your pastor is generally paid by the church budget. He makes his living stewarding a body of believers, whose tithes and offerings take care of his needs. This way he can focus on study, teaching, pastoring, preaching, etc.

When we decided to move to a foreign country to share the love of Christ, we had to focus on things too. Finding a job and assimilating wasn't really our objective. Our objective is to grow the kingdom through ministries such as discipleship, church planting, orphan care, ministry to the homeless, and so much more. That is our "job." But this job doesn't come with any income. So, we have to ask for the funds to do it.

Hear me when I say this. When a missionary asks for money, they do not enjoy it. It is a requirement of their job. Also, please understand this: we don't ask for ourselves. Money seems to always be lacking among missionaries, but our hearts to serve are intent on doing just that. So, we often go without in order to meet the needs we are confronted with each day.

I'll say that point again. We don't ask for ourselves. We ask for the needs that surround us. So, next time you scroll past the Facebook plea or delete the email asking for help, the next time you are agitated because "we are always asking for money," please remember that we don't want to ask you either. We are burdened by the needs around us. While you sip on that coffee, eat at that restaurant, surf your high-speed internet, etc etc etc... Remember that we are surrounded by poverty, hopelessness, and despair and our hearts are too big to ignore them. We need resources to accomplished the things God has purposed for us to do.

And, what is his method for supplying those things? You. You make it happen. This is why we come to you. Again, not for us. We ask for the need. And just throwing this out there, it's nice to just be blessed sometimes too. We give up a lot to come here and we try not to complain. We truly get joy in doing what we do. But that doesn't mean it's not hard.

"In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should receive their living from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:14

"Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." Philippians 4:17

2. Service 

You probably have a job. That's cool. Did you know that the average American has about 72 hours of free time a week after you deduct work and sleep? Yeah, we know, raising a family requires a lot of time, plus you have other obligations. But, 72 hours is a lot of time. Ever heard someone mention the importance of managing your money? We sometimes forget that time-management is equally important. Time-management is a missionaries good friend. We desire to do as much as posible. But we have to manage time well in order to be effective. This is true for everyone.

How are you managing your time in order to be effective in the mission of Christ? How are you using your time for advancing the mission of Christ?

This is going to sound really carnal, narcissistic, and maybe even mean. And it may come across as judgmental or self-righteous. But whether or not I should say it, please just consider this: is it true?

When all we've left behind screams at us in the midst of the hardships here...

When we spend our days looking for opportunity to make a difference in the lives around us...

When we sit for family budget meetings to figure out how to make this ministry happen or how to supply for that need, while still feeding our families...

When we ask for help and the plea goes ignored....

We can't help but sit in frustration as our friends go about their life seeking success, increasing their comforts, and having fun in ways we can't have with family that is close; we can't help but be a little jealous. If you can't support world missions with your money, please support local missions with your time. Otherwise, although we shouldn't, we judge you a little bit. Just speaking honestly. We ask forgiveness and we pray for grace and a greater ability to love, but that is just how we feel at times. Jealous and tired.

"If you know the good you ought to do and do not do it, it is sin." James 4:17

3. Communication

As a missionary, many, many people expect communication. They want to know what we are doing, what donations are being used for, what we are accomplishing, etc etc etc. And, we LOVE communicating to you all about what the Lord is doing and how he is moving and the many ways we get to be a part.

However, sometimes it all feels a little one-sided. We rarely get responses to newsletters, or even just general contact. There is this expectation for us to communicate and it's seen as "accountability" yet we don't generally get any in return. Why is it that we have to be so open, yet others get to prize their privacy? I get the accountability. I really do. However, when we are so far from family and friends and with the difficulty that comes with laboring in ministry in a foreign land, foreign language, and foreign culture, this one-sided communication tends to add to our feelings of loneliness.

Whether you are a supporting church, individual financial partner, or a prayer partner, consider sending us a note once in a while. You have no idea how much it means to us to know that we aren't forgotten.

"But encourage each other daily, as long as it is called today..." Hebrews 3:13

4. Disclaimer

There is no way we could have done or been a part of all we were able to this year if not for the exceptions to this blog. We have some GREAT supporters out there who have been selfless, encouraging, loving, and every other great adjective out there. We have been incredibly blessed by the abundant generosity of our support team and churches. Thank you! Thank you. Thank you. You are greatly loved, valued, and needed. Literally, there are no words sufficient to communicate how much you mean to us and to what we are doing here. We love being your extension and laboring on your behalf.

We are not hurting. God is good. However, we could be more effective. We are so grateful for cheerful and selfless supporters, but are hopeful that others will come along side them to share the load. The strength of a few strong men is great, however, the strength of a hundred weak men can far exceed that. There is greater strength, joy, and accomplishment when we come together for a common purpose. Ours is the mission of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost. Thank you, team, for making this a joyful laboring and for supplying the means for so many to know the unsearchable richness of Christ!