We all know that being a missionary isn’t the easiest thing to do, but
when is it really difficult?
It’s really difficult when:
·
Your father celebrates a milestone birthday and
you can’t be there to celebrate with him.
·
Your father passes away and then six weeks later
your mother passes away.
·
There is a women’s conference going on that you
have attended for the past six years and you are not there this year.
·
Your children have a milestone birthday and
grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins can’t be there to celebrate with you.
·
Your sister has a baby.
·
Grandchildren are born.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37-38, ESV.
Even though Jesus tells us that we should leave
father/mother/son/daughter, and we can find comfort in His words, sometimes it
just doesn’t make it easier.
What does make life easier for a missionary when the above occur and
you can’t be there? Prayer! Understanding family! Supportive friends! Did I say prayer?
We have been in Germany now for over three months. Almost all of the above have occurred in our
families in the last three months. Add
to that the daily life of living abroad, settling into a new country, learning
a new language, the list goes on. . .we have had quite a time. We are thankful,
so very thankful, for all the prayers, well wishes, and good thoughts that have
been sent our way. We ask that they
continue.