Ask a Missionary - Catch The Fire

A: Yes, but work toward a common vision.
Don’t abandon someone just because they want to go to a
different part of the world. Search for a reasonable compromise.
Maybe you both should take the time and money to visit the parts
of the world in which you each are interested. The fact that you both
want to go overseas is already a good reason to seek what God
might have for you together.
Answer from Mike, who served ten years in West Africa and North Africa on a
Bible translation team with WEC International.
A:
Only if you can commit wholeheartedly to
your spouse.
Before I married, I was determined that God wanted me to go
to Japan. In fact, before I married Susan, I told her more than once
that if I had to choose between marrying her and going to Japan,
I would go to Japan. (She envisioned being a missionary but had
never seriously considered Japan.)
However, since getting married, I have come to realize the importance
of my vow and responsibility to Susan according to God’s
Word. Now, if I ever have to choose between staying in Japan and
protecting my marriage and family, I would choose to protect my
family.
In short, marriage should resemble the self-sacrificing love
Christ has for his church; anything less does little good for the cause
of Christ. If you’re not ready for such a commitment, it is better not
to marry.
Answer from John, who has served in Japan for nine years with SEND
International.
164 | Ask a Missionary