“The challenge to the missionary does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the perspective of the missionary’s own personal relationship with Jesus Christ— ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’”
—Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost For His Highest,” October 27.
One of the things we ran into time and again during our fundraising in the States was some Christians’ odd definition of missions/missionary. Because we’re serving in Western Europe, there were a handful that objected to us calling any of what we do “missions” or ourselves “missionaries.” After questioning people, it became clear that most people define Missions/Missionaries by the following three criteria:
I could go on and on about the flaws in this kind of thinking, but What is a Real Missionary? and Definition of a Missionary say it much better than I am able.
Sometimes we think we have it all figured out. Perhaps it’s an innate human attitude, to size people up and assume we know what they do or what they go through.
The other day I was reflecting on all the assumptions people make about being a missionary. Some are well-intentioned, others are due to misinformation. I find all the assumptions come from those who not only have never been a missionary but have never been close with a missionary (i.e., family member, friend, etc.). Here are the assumptions that have been lobbed my way: Read More…
When we first began plans for our current ministry in Western Europe, we queried many existing Christians here. They were quick to let us know that most American missionaries last no more than 18 months in this field (even with a prior commitment to stay longer) and had much difficulty in the time that they were here. We didn’t disbelieve them, but, boy, were they right.
In the couple of years we’ve been in the field now, most all of the missionaries we’ve met and interacted with have returned to their respective homeland (one was from the Southern Hemisphere) before their committed time was up. Three more are on the cusp as I write this, and the safe bet will be that they leave, too. None were due to circumstances beyond their control (death of a family member, loss of income, failing health). I have no idea what the norm is for other missionaries in other fields.
But what confuses me is, upon leaving, their acute hatred for this mission field. Of those who have left (even when they stayed the duration of their commitment) I would say 95% leave on incredibly bad terms. Read More…
What is it about the culture in which we live that defines our Christianity? After spending my entire life in America, I find myself working in ministry in Western Europe for some time now. Sometimes the differences are striking, other times it is amazing how similar we really are despite being divided by water, time and space.
I find in the Christian culture so much is the same. From the traditional to what’s considered cutting edge, all you have to do is remove the accents and you could fool me that I was in some part of America. The songs are the same, the order of service is identical; I could go on and on. It even appears to remain consistent within denominational traditions.
But the way the secular culture sees Christianity, and Christian culture, definitely seems to change depending on what area of the world that you live. The first time I realized this was when we received a hate email regarding our ministry in Western Europe. Read More…
I jest. Good one!
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