COMMON CONCERNS
While Part 1 provided information on various aspects of the missionary calling and journey in general, this article will zero in on some common concerns of relocating to the missions field.
A missionary calling touches more than simply the person who senses the calling from God. The spouse, children, parents and other loved ones involved would also be impacted in various ways.
For example, responding to God’s call would affect a single person’s dating relationship or potential for finding a life partner. For couples, the calling to missions would need to be aligned between the spouses as it could affect their marriage and careers. Relocation overseas would also impact the children’s education and spiritual growth. Similarly, spending time with and caring for elderly parents could be an issue as well.
Thus, quite a few concerns can crop up in the preparation process of the missionary journey. While no solutions would fit all, it’s often encouraging to discover how others handled challenges and how God provided in His timing. May these testimonies empower you to persevere in prayer as you seek and wait for his guidance and provisions in your journey!
How Tentmakers Survive & Thrive
Tentmakers need a sustainable career, work-life balance, language studies, spiritual growth, prayer support, and ministry fruitfulness, plus a healthy singlehood or strong marriage and provisions for their children’s education.
For Singles with a Missionary Calling
About Dating and MarriageWhat to look for in a dating relationship and questions to ask before marriage.
For New College Graduates with a Missionary Calling
About Career DevelopmentAssessing one’s career goal in marketing and taking intentional steps to prepare.
About Parental ExpectationsSketching out a plan for his passion to reach the lost through a teaching career while honoring his parents.
For Missionaries in Business aka Bissionaries
A Modern-Day Macedonian Call—What Could Stop Us?About dealing with financial security, family and marriage concerns.
Unstoppable: Living Our Best Lives for God
A story that illustrates how a couple kept their passion for God and His mission burning when the fires in their career and marriage got hot.
Children Growing up Overseas
Third Culture Kids
TCKs in Missional Families—God’s Gift To UsAbout their strengths and struggles, and how to cherish them, including a personal testimony from a TCK.
Parents – Their Care & Salvation
The Two Chinese People Who Mean The Most To Me
A missionary’s story illustrates how God honors those who honor Him.
Parents – Missing Parents & Grandchildren
Would My Parents Miss Their Grandchildren?A missionary’s reflection on missing his parents at home and taking his children away from their grandparents.
For Baby Boomers, Empty Nesters & Early Retires (BEEs)
Options to consider for health, parental care, and time with grandchildren while offering one’s assets, expertise, and life experiences to serve overseas.