As I continue my mission trip in Honduras, I thought you might appreciate reading these thoughts one of the missionaries shared with me a few years ago. She has served God in two countries outside of the United States and I think after years in the field, has some valuable insights on preparing your kids to join God in the mission field.
After some thought, she came up with an interesting list:
- Willing to learn the language and culture of the people one hopes to minister to
- Fully committed to God and His Direction
- Loves to serve others
- Has clear personal boundaries
- Understands that some ways of helping can actually hurt more than they help.
- Talks through ideas with God, the person needing help and others more experienced before launching into a new effort
- Good at raising funds and recognizing and using gifts in others
- Is in good physical health and shape (makes for a more effective work)
- Visionary, but not afraid to fail
- Good organizational skills (or at least someone on the team)
- Patient
- Flexibility
- Has a good support team at home that understands and supports the mission
I encourage you to discuss the list of qualities a missionary should have with your children. Which ones do they naturally possess? Which ones do they need to pray for God’s help to develop? Which ones can they learn? Which ones should every Christian develop so they can share God’s Words with others?
My curiosity is piqued now, so I may ask a few more missionary friends for their lists. It will be interesting to see what we learn from people who are devoting their entire life to move to another country and share God’s Plan. I’ll share with you what I learn.