Ask a Missionary - Catch The Fire

Q:
Can I become a missionary if
my adult children still need me
nearby?
A: Maybe yes, maybe no.
This depends on several factors. If your children are dependent
on you financially, spiritually, emotionally, or physically, then it may
not be a good time to consider such a move. Look for God’s confirmation
to come through your adult children as well as your pastor.
Before we seriously considered missions, we shared this possibility
with our children, who were ages 18, 20, 23, and 24 at the
time. None were married, and two were in university. We could not
have made the move without their full and unconditional support.
During the past eight years, it’s been possible for us to come home
to participate in weddings, in the births of our grandchildren, and
in graduations. Yes, this has come at a cost both in finances and in
schedule planning.
Some voiced concerns that our moving so far from home would
sever future contact. The opposite has been true. Since we have the
need and the desire to phone, our relationships have deepened.
At a time when we were experiencing loneliness for our children,
we received this promise from God: “As much as you miss each
other, pray for your children and know that your loneliness is only
a fraction of mine for you when you are not close to me.” God will
teach you how to make your together times special and to solidify
your relationships as you depend wholly on him.
Answer from Jerry and Robin, who have been missionaries in Japan for eight
years.
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