Ask a Missionary - Catch The Fire

This topic is one of the themes discussed in The Journey
Deepens weekend retreats for prospective missionaries.
Answer from Don Parrott, who has served in missions for twenty-five years
with OC International in Argentina and Guatemala and with Paraclete and
Finishers Project in the United States.
A:
I did not know if I would be an effective
missionary.
Though my heart was full of desire to go, my mind was full
of doubts about my ability to make a real difference in the lives of
Albanian people.
Over the years, my doubts have remained. I look at what I’ve
done, and on one hand, I’m satisfied with the ministries I’ve started
and helped others plug into. On the other hand, I realize that whatever
good I’ve done—whether it be the number of ministries started
or souls won to Christ—must be viewed in the light of my degree of
surrender to Christ. My doubts have served as a thorn so that my
sense of accomplishment may not rest on my good works but on
Christ and his righteousness.
I think our longevity in missions depends on our sense of dependency
on God’s grace. Our doubts, whether they be in feeling
inadequate or in another area, are necessary for us to remain qualified
for the tasks before us.
Answer from Nathan in Albania, who has served with Christar for fifteen years.
Q:
How can I prepare for missions
when others try to discourage me?
GUIDANCE: Discovering God's Plan | 17