Missionary Life

[its_brad]

If you were a missionary, what aspect of missionary life would you change first and what would you preserve first, and why?

[rchambers]

If you were a missionary, what aspect of missionary life would you change first and what would you preserve first, and why?
Well, the last thing that I would want to worry about as a missionary is how will I support myself and my family—in a different country and culture? While I can understand that it is important that a missionary blend in and/or live very closely to the lifestyle of the people that they are disciplining; however, why should they have to beg for bread? On the other hand, if we are to be concerned with the soul of a man; we must also be concerned with his social well-being, his family and his community. Thus, those that are called to foreign mission should be supported by the masses.

I would preserve the spiritual integrity. Those on the front line must be the best Christians America has to offer—spiritual men. They must be sound in their faith, commitment and practices. To many times we hear sinners justify their behavior by saying that ‘Christians do the same thing’. In today’s world, there is too little difference between the believing and the unbelieving.

[agrana]

If you were a missionary, what aspect of missionary life would you change first and what would you preserve first, and why?

It seems to me that missionary life is hard enough as it is, but to hear that many missionary families have to be separated from their children for extended periods of time is ridiculous. I for one could not concentrate on a ministry knowing that my children are hundreds of miles away at school. I think it defeats the purpose of bringing your children on mission. For that you leave them in the States with some relatives.

The aspect that I would preserve is the ultimate dependence on God that one must feel in the field. Depending on protection, provision, revelation, etc. The Church in the States has become so comfortable that it is hard to imagine what would happen to it if there was ever any significant persecution.

[agrana]

Well, the last thing that I would want to worry about as a missionary is how will I support myself and my family—in a different country and culture? While I can understand that it is important that a missionary blend in and/or live very closely to the lifestyle of the people that they are disciplining; however, why should they have to beg for bread? On the other hand, if we are to be concerned with the soul of a man; we must also be concerned with his social well-being, his family and his community. Thus, those that are called to foreign mission should be supported by the masses.

I would preserve the spiritual integrity. Those on the front line must be the best Christians America has to offer—spiritual men. They must be sound in their faith, commitment and practices. To many times we hear sinners justify their behavior by saying that ‘Christians do the same thing’. In today’s world, there is too little difference between the believing and the unbelieving.

rchambers, I agree that worrying about financial issues should be the last thing on your mind when on the field. But I also think that missionaries should engage their culture by working in the environment. I realize that this is not always possible (i.e. a woman missionary seeking a job in a culture that does not allow women to work). But I think that if the people see this foreigner putting his/her hand to the plow just like them, this may draw the people in. While I am not opposed to churches supporting missionaries I think that when possible the missionaries should support themselves. Churches should suppliment the field but not be the principle provider.

I agree that there is too little difference between the believing and the unbelieving, but I also think that too much emphasis can be placed on asthetics. I have personally "dressed up" like a Christian when underneath my heart was dark. When others bring up the old, "Christian's do the same thing" routine, our reply should be, "and that's why they need Christ." We are fallen folks just like everyone else. We are no better, no worse. Saved by grace and living by grace.

[loveintruth]

If you were a missionary, what aspect of missionary life would you change first and what would you preserve first, and why?

Since I am a 'cross-cultural worker,' I would say that there are definitely aspects that could be changed. I agree with the above students that finances and children's issues can place an extra, unnecessary burden on people sent out to fulfill the Great Commission.

Although these need practical solutions, I would say the lack of cooperation between agencies is a dire area for reform. In many parts of the world, there are simply too many people 'reinventing the wheel,' not sharing resources, and ultimately failing because they refused to learn from one another and unify their visions. And sadly, they are often encouraged to maintain these walls by their agencies, as if this is a competition against each other, rather than a spiritual battle in which we're all fighting on the same side.

On the other hand, I would preserve, above all, the workers' dependence on their sending churches, supporters, and prayer teams. In turn, they will have a strong foundation from which to reach out and cooperate with their colleagues on the field. These are absolutely vital and nothing can happen without the Body working together.