We All Know What Happens When We Assume…
Posted by C. Holland on Oct 23, 2008Sometimes 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.
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June 28th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
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
July 1st, 2009 at 5:21 am
@Stacy: Thank you for your prayers. Since I’ve written this, the relationship has deteriorated further.