Comments for Missionary Confidential http://www.missionaryconfidential.com Everything a missionary isn't supposed to say. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:52:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by C. Holland http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11401 C. Holland Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:52:52 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11401 @Committed: Thank you. We're in a temporary situation where our basic needs are being met, so we're trying to save up for the rest of it. Should we find ourselves in dire need, I appreciate the offer. @Leigh: I appreciate the encouragement and, even when we were in the middle of all of this, I still have a strong sense that God is in control and using it for His glory. @Still in Africa: I'm sorry you're facing similar issues, but please don't make decisions based on our specific experience. What I can suggest is that if churches or supporters don't respond/act reluctant, then don't push for a visit to them specifically. All the situations I referenced didn't seem reluctant at the time to schedule us months earlier; this attitude appeared when we arrived for our presentation. Seek God's guidance about your housing, etc. Ours sometimes showed up less than 24 hours before we needed it. And I agree about Missionary Care! @Roxie: Thank you for your understanding. I'm sorry that others have experienced similar situations; I was thinking perhaps it was just our specific group/area of churches and supporters, but sadly, I think not. @ummm: I'm sorry to hear of this. While I'm sure we could all talk about a bad experience, I'm more troubled about a majority of unrelated supporting churches having similar poor attitudes. However, your story is a good example of the confusion brought when people say that they value/are interested in missions, yet their actions seem the complete opposite. @Committed: Thank you. We’re in a temporary situation where our basic needs are being met, so we’re trying to save up for the rest of it. Should we find ourselves in dire need, I appreciate the offer.

@Leigh: I appreciate the encouragement and, even when we were in the middle of all of this, I still have a strong sense that God is in control and using it for His glory.

@Still in Africa: I’m sorry you’re facing similar issues, but please don’t make decisions based on our specific experience. What I can suggest is that if churches or supporters don’t respond/act reluctant, then don’t push for a visit to them specifically. All the situations I referenced didn’t seem reluctant at the time to schedule us months earlier; this attitude appeared when we arrived for our presentation. Seek God’s guidance about your housing, etc. Ours sometimes showed up less than 24 hours before we needed it. And I agree about Missionary Care!

@Roxie: Thank you for your understanding. I’m sorry that others have experienced similar situations; I was thinking perhaps it was just our specific group/area of churches and supporters, but sadly, I think not.

@ummm: I’m sorry to hear of this. While I’m sure we could all talk about a bad experience, I’m more troubled about a majority of unrelated supporting churches having similar poor attitudes. However, your story is a good example of the confusion brought when people say that they value/are interested in missions, yet their actions seem the complete opposite.

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by ummm http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11400 ummm Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:09:12 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11400 My worst furlough experience was at a church camp. Our goal in going there was to connect to more people in that area of the country. Several people from a supporting churches attended this camp, so what better way to get to know them than to spend a week with them. The camp directors gave us a great place to stay. A private place with air conditioning and bathroom. It was nice, especially since we hadn't had any privacy for months. The people that were so mission minded left and we had a presentation ready for every day. Most days the dean would cut our presentation short. The kids loved hearing about it and singing the songs in another language, but the dean and staff seemed to care less and never asked about it. We tried to get to know the staff, we were present for almost everything. We lead a small group, but the other works were rude and would always bring up the luxurious room we were living in. Really, you have a home to go to after this week and you're mad that we get something nice for a week? But the teens were awesome. I can handle some teasing, but I just wish people would ask about our work and care about something outside of the USA. My worst furlough experience was at a church camp. Our goal in going there was to connect to more people in that area of the country. Several people from a supporting churches attended this camp, so what better way to get to know them than to spend a week with them. The camp directors gave us a great place to stay. A private place with air conditioning and bathroom. It was nice, especially since we hadn’t had any privacy for months. The people that were so mission minded left and we had a presentation ready for every day. Most days the dean would cut our presentation short. The kids loved hearing about it and singing the songs in another language, but the dean and staff seemed to care less and never asked about it. We tried to get to know the staff, we were present for almost everything. We lead a small group, but the other works were rude and would always bring up the luxurious room we were living in. Really, you have a home to go to after this week and you’re mad that we get something nice for a week? But the teens were awesome. I can handle some teasing, but I just wish people would ask about our work and care about something outside of the USA.

]]> Comment on Making Projection Promises by Horacio http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/making-projection-promises/comment-page-1#comment-11399 Horacio Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:08:51 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1044#comment-11399 Gracias por compartir este escrito. Es grato ver que no soy el único loco que puede ver lo que está pasando. Estoy deacuerdo, el diálogo debe continuar. [Translation via Google Translate: "Thank you for sharing this writing. It is gratifying to see that I am not the only fool who can see what is happening. I agree, the dialogue must continue."] Gracias por compartir este escrito. Es grato ver que no soy el único loco que puede ver lo que está pasando. Estoy deacuerdo, el diálogo debe continuar.

[Translation via Google Translate: "Thank you for sharing this writing. It is gratifying to see that I am not the only fool who can see what is happening. I agree, the dialogue must continue."]

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by Roxie http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11398 Roxie Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:35:05 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11398 I'm not sure how I want to respond to this, but in the meantime, I don't want my silence to speak things that I don't mean... We can say that we've had some of the same situations... for which we grieve... We're sad because of the attitudes that characterize the mainstream US churches. We (missionaries) are more aware of the changes because we've been away and come back... My heart hurts for what your family had gone and is going through. May God heal your hearts and refresh your spirits. May your children see God's provision for your family even in the midst of this desert time. I’m not sure how I want to respond to this, but in the meantime, I don’t want my silence to speak things that I don’t mean…

We can say that we’ve had some of the same situations… for which we grieve…

We’re sad because of the attitudes that characterize the mainstream US churches. We (missionaries) are more aware of the changes because we’ve been away and come back…

My heart hurts for what your family had gone and is going through. May God heal your hearts and refresh your spirits. May your children see God’s provision for your family even in the midst of this desert time.

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by Still in Africa http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11397 Still in Africa Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:39:39 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11397 Thank you for writing this! We are in a similar situation this summer going back for our first furlough. Our board requires we raise all our support for our next 2-3 years within 3 months or we are done (no "God's timing" just 3 months or nothing). I really know our family needs some time to decompress and rest (we haven't left our field or had a break for 2 years) but that is seen as "weakness" so we are going to need to go-go-go and push if we want to return to the field and with the economy as it is 3 months seems pretty quick (not for God of course but what if His timing isn't 90 days? :-)). We are really praying hard about it now. We want to be in God's will for our family but honestly are considering throwing in the towel at the moment. The irony is our current support levels are over 90% but so far no churches will even return our emails (these are the few that support us)! We will have no where to live (just found out our family cannot take us and the missionary housing we had used previously is filled for the summer), have no car, basically nothing. We trust God will provide, He always does, but from our experience (and your post confirms this) sadly, often not through the church or the body of believers. I've so enjoyed your blog, you "keep it real" without using profanity to "be cool" like some other missionaries and I will be praying for your family and your healing. I thought we/I would visit areas of supporters and churches as a debrief if we end up being done but after reading your post maybe they won't want us? Guess that will save on travel expenses anyway :-). I want to work in a church as a volunteer for missionary care-really I think it is SO needed! Thank you for writing this! We are in a similar situation this summer going back for our first furlough. Our board requires we raise all our support for our next 2-3 years within 3 months or we are done (no “God’s timing” just 3 months or nothing). I really know our family needs some time to decompress and rest (we haven’t left our field or had a break for 2 years) but that is seen as “weakness” so we are going to need to go-go-go and push if we want to return to the field and with the economy as it is 3 months seems pretty quick (not for God of course but what if His timing isn’t 90 days? :-) ). We are really praying hard about it now. We want to be in God’s will for our family but honestly are considering throwing in the towel at the moment. The irony is our current support levels are over 90% but so far no churches will even return our emails (these are the few that support us)! We will have no where to live (just found out our family cannot take us and the missionary housing we had used previously is filled for the summer), have no car, basically nothing. We trust God will provide, He always does, but from our experience (and your post confirms this) sadly, often not through the church or the body of believers. I’ve so enjoyed your blog, you “keep it real” without using profanity to “be cool” like some other missionaries and I will be praying for your family and your healing. I thought we/I would visit areas of supporters and churches as a debrief if we end up being done but after reading your post maybe they won’t want us? Guess that will save on travel expenses anyway :-) . I want to work in a church as a volunteer for missionary care-really I think it is SO needed!

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by Leigh http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11396 Leigh Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:01:45 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11396 I cannot imagine how frustrating and surreal that must all be. But, one thing we know about God is that He uses it all and this is clearly part of the big plan. In 5 years, you will look back at these interactions and see where His hand was in it and how He navigated you through for His Glory. Until then, being still is good- listening is good. Welcome home! Keep writing. The journey is not over, it is just on another path and as it develops, your writing will tell the tale for the rest of the world and yourselves to see. I cannot imagine how frustrating and surreal that must all be. But, one thing we know about God is that He uses it all and this is clearly part of the big plan. In 5 years, you will look back at these interactions and see where His hand was in it and how He navigated you through for His Glory. Until then, being still is good- listening is good. Welcome home! Keep writing. The journey is not over, it is just on another path and as it develops, your writing will tell the tale for the rest of the world and yourselves to see.

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by Committed Christian http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11395 Committed Christian Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:27:45 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11395 It is interesting that the non-Christians were more considerate than the people in the churches that supported you while you were on the field. If you lived in my area I would direct you to my church which would have helped you. It is one of the rare ones out there that is a good steward of their resources and genuinely cares for people. And we gave a missionary, even though they were from another denomination, the time to teach Sunday school, preach both services and even time to visit with members interested in missions over lunch! And people in my church, as well as the deacons, would have helped you get on your feet. They are out there. My denomination is the Presbyterian Church in America and I believe that deacons in any of these churches would help you out with living expenses, etc. if you have a legitimate need (which you do). It is interesting that the non-Christians were more considerate than the people in the churches that supported you while you were on the field. If you lived in my area I would direct you to my church which would have helped you. It is one of the rare ones out there that is a good steward of their resources and genuinely cares for people. And we gave a missionary, even though they were from another denomination, the time to teach Sunday school, preach both services and even time to visit with members interested in missions over lunch! And people in my church, as well as the deacons, would have helped you get on your feet. They are out there. My denomination is the Presbyterian Church in America and I believe that deacons in any of these churches would help you out with living expenses, etc. if you have a legitimate need (which you do).

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by C. Holland http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11394 C. Holland Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:35:09 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11394 @Committed: Thanks, we're in a new town and knew no one when we moved, so we're praying that God leads us to a church where we can heal. The lack of support is indeed disturbing, yet the reason it's taken me a while to write this is that I wanted to make sure it wasn't about me. Yeah, we sacrificed big, but it was for Jesus, not for the support/praise of people. While I wish we'd had some emotional support and practical assistance, we'll get over it. What disturbs me is the poor stewardship this shows (shouldn't people want to know where their money went and what it did for the Kingdom?) and the poor hospitality in the church, even when you judge it on a secular basis. While the church was too busy with its programmes, it was the non-Christians who asked how we were and provided shelter and food. @Committed: Thanks, we’re in a new town and knew no one when we moved, so we’re praying that God leads us to a church where we can heal.

The lack of support is indeed disturbing, yet the reason it’s taken me a while to write this is that I wanted to make sure it wasn’t about me. Yeah, we sacrificed big, but it was for Jesus, not for the support/praise of people. While I wish we’d had some emotional support and practical assistance, we’ll get over it. What disturbs me is the poor stewardship this shows (shouldn’t people want to know where their money went and what it did for the Kingdom?) and the poor hospitality in the church, even when you judge it on a secular basis. While the church was too busy with its programmes, it was the non-Christians who asked how we were and provided shelter and food.

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by Committed Christian http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11393 Committed Christian Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:59:48 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11393 I have not even gone to the mission field yet but have been preparing for about ten years. The lack of support even in the slightest sense can sometimes be overwhelming. But I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain one must feel after making such a huge sacrifice to reach others with the gospel in a difficult mission field to come back to a lack of support. I just don't get it. I pray that you will be able to get back on your feet quickly and that the Lord will grant you and your wife fellowship with likeminded believers. I have not even gone to the mission field yet but have been preparing for about ten years. The lack of support even in the slightest sense can sometimes be overwhelming. But I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain one must feel after making such a huge sacrifice to reach others with the gospel in a difficult mission field to come back to a lack of support. I just don’t get it. I pray that you will be able to get back on your feet quickly and that the Lord will grant you and your wife fellowship with likeminded believers.

]]> Comment on Furlough: Six of One, Half a Dozen of the Other by C. Holland http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/furlough-six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other/comment-page-1#comment-11392 C. Holland Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:54:50 +0000 http://www.missionaryconfidential.com/?p=1121#comment-11392 @Rose: Thank you for that, and we might take you up on that someday. :) We're not mad at God, and I know we'll get over the pain and anger in time. I'm more concerned about how other missionaries might react to this treatment; it explains a lot about several who left our field and evangelicalism all together. Meanwhile, I'm glad to see you're still working towards Spain. Western Europe needs you! @Rose: Thank you for that, and we might take you up on that someday. :) We’re not mad at God, and I know we’ll get over the pain and anger in time. I’m more concerned about how other missionaries might react to this treatment; it explains a lot about several who left our field and evangelicalism all together. Meanwhile, I’m glad to see you’re still working towards Spain. Western Europe needs you!

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