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:
You’re a child of a missionary.
No, I’m not. Nor am I a friend or close relative of a missionary. I personally don’t take offense at this, except the fact that it conveniently makes the statement that missions are only for those who have been in missions before. Or that I’m only following my earthly parents’ footsteps.
Your parents must be so proud of you.
Again, no. And they’re Christians, even of the same denomination that I am which believes in evangelical missions. Two things are at play in their mind here: 1) Missions are for other people’s children, not mine; and 2) Material wealth and high social status jobs would be much more admirable. Their view that we’re “begging” for money when we should be “responsible Americans” and making our own way doesn’t help their understanding of what we’re doing here.
America is so wealthy, so you can more than afford to be a missionary over here.
And again, no. While God is providing for our needs, many seem to expect He’s inclined to provide our most extravagant wants due to our country of birth. This sentiment comes mostly from those in our mission field, assuming all Americans are just behind Bill Gates in wealth. When we point out that nothing in our current lifestyle screams money (used economy car, rented apartment in bad neighborhood, plain clothing), they say that we’re hiding our money. Treasure in heaven? Yes. Money here on earth? No.
It’s great you’re a missionary now, but what will you do when you get back?
Umm, we don’t have any plans to go back. This is our “job,” our “passion,” and we really feel it’s what God wants us to do indefinitely. It’s not a short diversion until we find out what we really want to do in life because this is it. Cue the look of “Oh, no, they’re nutty Christians! The ones that take Christianity too seriously.”
If you only have a meeting once a month, how do you keep busy?
Building relationships, going to Christian meetings, helping other churches with ministry, keeping up on general news in our mission field. Also, fundraising communication eats up way more than you’ll ever know. Besides, the service doesn’t just appear out of nowhere.
And my personal favorite…
Do your parents work, or are they missionaries like you?
Well, they work, but I can assure you that they’re nothing like me anyway. While I can get over the personal jab, it saddens me more that this is the level of mission understanding amongst today’s Christians.
No related posts.
Thanks for posting this. Especially #2. It helps to know that I am not the only one. I know how you feel. I’ll definitely keep the situation with your parents in my prayers. God bless
@Stacy: Thank you for your prayers. Since I’ve written this, the relationship has deteriorated further.
Just something concerning the last assumption. People assume that you are just plain lazy if you dont work. I’m not a missionary yet, but I have the calling and right now I’m going through what I call “personal training” concerning faith and trusting in God. And because I’m unemployed (and God has already answered me, telling me that I work for him and therefore not unemployed) people dont believe that I really want to work to make money, buy clothes, sneakers, car, eat out more, etc. I know that prayer is what makes your skin criticism-proof, but it still affects you because its not strangers that say these things, but rather friends, relatives and your family in christ. I, however, justify it by reminding myself that they lack not only faith to at least believe my words, but are not willing to let go of their own subjective way of living and have an “open mind,” a term which I really dislike to use but it’s sometimes necessary for certain individuals. It’s not easy but not impossible, and I know that what I’m going through is minute compared to your experience. Great Post! Looking forward to more of your Missionary experience.