Jan and I were nearing the end of language study. We were attending our second annual mission
meeting. During a break in one of our
sessions, I was outside talking with a veteran missionary, Stan, asking him
about starting churches. “Stan, what
would be the best strategy to use? How
many churches should I expect to start during my first term? What should be my goal?”
His answer to my last question was two words, “Just survive.” New missionaries often set for themselves
unrealistic expectations for their ministry, then become discouraged when the
expectations are unmet. Unexpected
events will happen that cause further discouragement. The weight of living in a new yet unfamiliar
culture can be heavy. Language learning
is a stress. Living conditions are
always a challenge. Any of these factors
can send a new missionary home. Added
together, the words, “just survive” becomes a worthy goal.
The other event occurred just after we had finished language
study. I was ready to begin my
ministry. So, I decided I needed to hear
from the Lord about how to begin. What
should be my focus? Where should I
start? What strategy should I use? How was I to win this part of the Philippines
to the Lord? Jan allowed me to check
into a cheap hotel for 3 days and 3 nights bringing nothing with me except water
and my Bible. I have never heard God
speak to me in an audible voice, but a few times He has come close, and this
was one of those times. Near the end of
the third day, God spoke to me.
“Mark, you need to be a better husband and father. Here’s what you need to do…” Within a couple of minutes, I had a list of
things I needed to do better, like help Jan with the dishes, play with David and
Sara more, change Sara’s diapers, say encouraging words to Jan, and other
things. I knew this was from the Lord
because at no time during those 3 days did I think I needed to be a better
husband or father. I thought I was doing
OK in that department. But God let me
know that my ministry to others would never be successful if I neglected, even
a little, my ministry to my own family.
Prioritizing my family rather than my work, and keeping
realistic expectations for myself and ministry have helped me enjoy an exciting missionary
career for the past 30 years. I suspect
that these are relevant for whatever area of work or ministry God calls us to. May God continue to be glorified as we listen
and follow His voice.
1 comment:
Mark, so glad you could share this - especially with younger missionary couples and families. You hit the nail on the head and we pray that this advice was heard and shared effectively. Wish you could be with us for our Philippine Missionary Reunion July 29-31. When will you be in the states again? Our email is jbnash57@gmail.com
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