The Missionary Life: Serving the Senders

Missionaries only do their work/ministry in other countries right? Well, not so much. But wait, their ministry only starts once they leave the country, right? Well, not really.

These are common ideas. I used to believe them. I thought missionaries only went to other countries. Some do. Some just go to another region of the U.S. But even those who leave to serve in other countries don't serve in only that foreign country.

Confused yet? I hope not. Part of our ministry is in the U.S. You got it, part of our job description is located in the United States. What is that exactly? Good question.

We feel called to serve the senders. Family, friends, churches, small groups, and foundations SEND us. They SERVE us. So much focus is on them that there is even a good book title Serving as Senders. But, wait, we enjoy serving the senders too (not just the other way around).

As we wait on God to work in the hearts of our senders to commit all our monthly financial pledges, we serve our senders. Part of the privilege of serving as a missionary is getting to invest our time, abilities, and more in our senders. Let's flesh that out.

On Wednesday night we were invited to attend a friend's church in my hometown. We not only attended but contributed to the teaching. We prayed with people. We encouraged others. We look for

ward to returning and serving the people there again.

If you have had a role in our development, praying for us, financially supporting us, mentoring us, connecting us to an opportunity, or some other aspect of our lives, THANK YOU. We are humbled by the commitment shown by our senders. We covet your prayers. God has used and continues to use you to encourage us to persevere as we raise support. THANKS.

We look forward to serving you. We look forward to updating you on what God is doing around the world. We look forward to listening to your struggles, to praying for you, to celebrating your birthdays, anniversaries, births, weddings, graduations and more. We also hurt when you hurt and grieve when you grieve the loss of a loved one.

So many times our senders have served us. Thanks. We hope you not only know of but can experience and feel our passion for serving you. Thanks for allowing us to be your hands and feet in what God is doing around the world.

What about Parents of Missionaries (POMs)? They deal with loss, grief, and ambiguity when their kids leave home for another country. We'd appreciate others serving our parents while we are gone. Learn how here.

Not just our parents, though. All senders should be prayed for, loved, encouraged, and ministered to. Thanks for letting us serve you, the senders.

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