Living faithful, fruitful and fulfilled on the mission field
“10 million Americans have tested positive for the coronavirus. A Cambodian province closes schools after a leader of Hungary visited the country and tested positive. France and Italy report record cases as the virus ravages Europe.” We read these discouraging headlines and wonder if this …
Do you love to travel and new adventures? Eating new food and seeing new places? Do you find people who are from different cultures fascinating? If you answered yes to any of these things, missions might sound like a dream job to you! Your heart …
Quitting is not altogether bad. There are some things we need to quit. Often, though, we need to persevere. The temptation to “give up and go home” is common, particularly in the first four years of missionary life. The same is true when working on a new vision. Remain steady, knowing God called you to that place or work. Your vision, passion, and focus can remain fire-hot through difficult seasons.
Last week, I went away to a cabin in the woods. It was cold. I often built a fire in the beautiful fireplace. Building the fire was fun. It was exciting to light the paper and watch it burst into flame. After an hour or two, it needed tending. I needed to add more wood, stir it up a bit, and blow on it. Our calling and vision are not different. Without tending, vision dies down. This is true even when the vision was placed in our heart by God Himself.
I recommend five practices that add fuel to the flame of vision. Whether you are a classic visionary or are following a vision someone else shared, these practices will help. You can stay passionate and focused on the things God has called you to do.
In our work as mission leaders, we often had the privilege (and responsibility) of welcoming new field workers. We’d give them orientation, help them settle into their new homes, and get them set up with language helpers. I confess I didn’t always put much weight on the vision and dreams of new field workers. First I wanted to see if they had what it takes to stay for the long haul. Then, I was far more likely to listen to and support their dreams.
One young family came to the field full of passion. Energetic and excited, they were ready to dive in to saving the lost and feeding the poor. I got excited when they shared their vision. Their enthusiasm was contagious.
“I sure hope these guys stick!” I thought. I’d seen many people come and go. They’d arrive with a vision that would take years to accomplish. Two or three months in, or even a year or so later, suddenly, their vision changed. They now felt called to return to their home country. Would this new family be different? I hoped so!
They’d spend many months raising their funds to get there. Donors had contributed sacrificially. They too had made significant efforts working overtime and selling off things they owned. Now, they had arrived. Time would tell whether they would stay.
I wish I’d known then, what I know now. These five keys to keeping your vision alive are something I would have shared with them. Sadly, six months later, discouraged and disillusioned, they boarded a flight and returned to their home country. Soon others would come and the unfortunate cycle would begin again.
Missionary attrition can be avoided. It does take work. Vision does not need to die. You don’t need to quit and go home.
“Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by and every vision comes to nothing’? Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.’ Say to them, ‘The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled.
Ezekiel 12:22-23 NIV.
In my YWAM Discipleship Training School (DTS) many years ago, a speaker taught us about how to hear God’s voice. I remember something he said.
“When you don’t hear anything from God, go back to the last thing you heard Him say. Simply remind yourself of that. Keep doing that thing until He speaks again.”
It was good advice.
I often re-read journals and things I’ve write down that God spoke to me. These are a rich source of vision nourishment. Re-reading prophetic words given you is also a way to throw fresh wood on the fire of your passion. Bill Johnson, of Bethel Redding, speaks about this. When is the last time you took the time to remember what God spoke to you when you first heard His calling to this ministry?
Conflicts, meetings, daily life tasks, social media and email, all threaten to pull us away from our calling. Keep your vision in front of you. Write it out. Put it on your desk, refridgerator door or bathroom mirror. Some place where you will see it often. Remember that those other things, while sometimes necessary, are not the main thing.
I read a meme recently that said “If it is not going to matter 5 years from now, don’t invest more than 5 minutes worrying about it.” Don’t invest energy and emotion in the things that don’t matter. Give yourself to taking concrete steps and to activities that move you forward in what you are called by God to do.
Does your current task contribute to that vision? A high percentage of your activities should be related to the “main thing” God has called you to. If not, you will start to feel burned out and your original vision will grow cold.
It is okay to say no to other things not related to your unique calling. Without devoting a significant amount of time doing what you feel called to do, vision will wither. Some organizations give more freedom in this area than others.
If you find that you are expected to give the majority of your time to things you don’t feel called to do, make an appointment with your supervisor. Renegotiate your job description. Let them know how you are feeling.
Don’t wait until you have lost your vision entirely. Take action now to give more of your time to what matters most.
We become like those we spend time with. Do you invest time in relationships with others who share your passion and dream? With people of faith, who are already doing more than you are in that area?
When I am around others who share my passion and dreams, it pours kerosene on my vision fire. I start to get new ideas and become creative.
If you surround yourself with nay-sayers and those who with negative mindsets, your vision will grow dim.
This seems obvious but needs saying. Jesus, in the midst of His busy ministry, took time away to be with His Father. It was there that He gained strength, hope, and was renewed. Don’t consider it a vacation. Retreats and sabbaths are crucial to keeping your vision burning and to stay focused on the things God has spoken to you.
What will you do this week to fan the flame of your God-given dream?
Share below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.
Intimacy with God must be the constant pursuit of any disciple of Jesus. This is even more true of those of us who want to see Kingdom impact through our lives and ministries. The following article is a guest contribution by Kima Hmar. A dependent …
When I was ordained as a pastor, I was given a book called “Choosing to Cheat.” That’s a strange title, I thought. The author wrote about the danger of cheating on our spouses by giving our best time and energy to the ministry we do. …
How did Jesus choose His disciples? They were an unlikely group. Fishermen, a tax collector, a random doctor thrown into the mix. What did He look for in those who would serve alongside Him? Throughout history, God has chosen unlikely people to do His work. What characteristics are most important in the life of a cross-cultural minister?
We are born with personality traits. They are a matter of DNA, handed down by our parents. Other traits develop in early childhood. You don’t choose whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.
Character, however, is developed. It grows both in adolescence and adulthood. We can choose to intentionally embrace God’s transforming work in our lives. He prunes and develops us. Through this, we grow into the person He wants us to be. This article looks at this issue particularly as it pertains to those who minister cross-culturally.
Many qualities of an effective missionary are developed in the field. As we go, labor, and struggle, these things grow in us. Some can be worked on before entering life as a cross-cultural minister.
This can not be over-emphasized. It is out of our life with God that everything flows. As we abide in Him, we bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:16).
Our understanding of His character creates the foundation through which we interpret life. This is true both for our own lives, and as we help others. We come to understand His character through the study of His Word. We also learn who He is as we experience His character manifested through circumstances.
I knew God as Healer, Provider, and Grace-giver as I experienced Him being those things for me on the field.
We grow in understanding of His love. We learn to find satisfaction in God Himself, not in fruit or results. (No matter how much pressure you feel to write those exciting letters to supporters back home!) His purposes and His glory become our driving motivation for our work. This happens as we grow in an ever-deeper relationship with Jesus.
Our world markets freedom from hardship as a virtue. Yet suffering is both a normal and important part of a disciple’s life. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. Don’t be dismayed. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Paul writes of wanting to know Christ and fellowship with Him in suffering (Phil. 3:10).
Unless we are willing to embrace a life of hardship, we can not become effective cross-cultural ministers. This begins with a deep surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. It also requires a firmly held belief in the goodness of God, no matter what we go through.
We learn to endure trials, difficulties, persecution, temptation, pain, and hardship as good soldiers. (2 Tim. 2:3-5). But soldiers who are deeply loved by a good, good Father who cares for us.
While we do not want to suffer, when it comes, we allow God to use it to form His character in us and draw us into His embrace.
Compassion, empathy, and a servant’s heart must become part of who we are. The source of these characteristics is our relationship with Jesus. As we spend time with Him, we catch His heart for the lost.
The Master wept over Jerusalem, His heart was broken over their resistance to His truth. Do the things that break God’s heart break yours? Are you able to see the people around you with His eyes of love and compassion?
Our ability to empathize with others is vital if we want to minister. As we identify with their context, needs, and situation we are able to communicate God’s truth in a way they will understand.
If we come as a Savior, we will fail. Only Christ can save. If we come with the heart of a servant, His salvation will flow through us.
One thing that sustains people in the field is knowing God has called them there. This may be a supernatural encounter you point to. It may simply be a deep knowing that comes from the study of His Word and the Great Commission. Either way, you need to know that God has directed you to the work you do. This foundational sense of calling from God will keep you in the times you desperately want to quit and go home.
When vision and passion are clear, you are also more able to focus and “keep the main thing the main thing.”
Many missionaries drift into activities not related to their original call. Sometimes, God is redirecting. Other times, we need to realign ourselves. We must go back to what God spoke in the beginning.
A cross-cultural minister must be willing to take risks and try new things. Be it food, or a new cultural dance, our lives require us to step outside of what is comfortable.
This is true when it comes to sharing the good news with those around us as well. Not everyone has an extroverted personality. Not everyone is born an optimist.
Faith and boldness, however, are qualities God develops within us. As we take steps outside our natural abilities, these characteristics begin to grow. They are the fruit of His Spirit’s work in us.
These can be developed before going to the mission field. You never stop growing in these though!
Choosing to be flexible means letting go of control. This is difficult. In a cross-cultural ministry context, it will make or break you.
It is so natural for us to want to go into a cross-cultural environment as a teacher rather than a learner. Jesus modeled a different approach. In the book of Philippians, we see He took on the form of a baby and servant, not a King. In any cross-cultural work, learn before you teach. Humility and a posture of learning make you far more effective.
Hospitality is an often overlooked qualification for spiritual eldership. It is mentioned in both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8.
As we engage with people of other worldviews, the need to exercise this gift is even more important.
In Western culture, hospitality is on the decline. Our busy lives prevent us from making time to invite someone into our home for a cup of coffee, or a meal. Those who learn to practice hospitality generously have deeper relationships of trust with those they want to reach.
There is strength when we work in teams. That doesn’t mean it’s easy! For those with high D (DISC test) personalities, working with others who also have strong leadership qualities can be difficult. Cross-cultural relationships present unique challenges. Yet those with a lone-ranger approach, rarely are sustained and effective on the field.
Though this is listed as number ten, it is critically important to our emotional and spiritual health as cross-cultural ministers. Peter Scazerro’s books on emotionally healthy spirituality give insight on this important topic. Our marriage and family must be a source of life, the place from which we minister. Healthy singleness becomes a source of nourishment for others.
Take a few moments to assess yourself in these ten qualities. Where do you need to grow? Where are you already strong? Talk to a friend or co-worker this week. Decide on two or three actions you want to take to grow in your weak areas.
What other qualities are important? Share in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.
“Knowing God is about a relationship, not religion,” we tell people. This is true! We believe it. If we are honest, though, there are times when our relationship with God can feel pretty religious. We go through the motions without much connection. Dryness creeps in, …
How do you share the gospel effectively with Buddhists? We have been posting recently on how to communicate the gospel to people of other religions. This week’s post is written by Jay Judson. He has seen thousands of Buddhists come to Christ. Through his team, …
“Flex!” the team leader said loudly. My friend, Tim, led many short-term mission trips. Flex is his favorite word. When we received teams he was leading, we noticed this word used often. Learning how to be flexible, being willing to adapt, and able to adjust, are attitudes and skills that lead to fruitful cross-cultural work.
Adjusting to other ways of thinking and doing is not easy. Most anyone can make adjustments for a few weeks on a short-term trip. Adapting to another culture, in the long-term, takes great determination.
Are you willing to lay down your own ways, paradigms, and worldview to interact in meaningful ways with those you desire to reach? This will determine the depth of your missional impact. It is a lot more than being willing to eat strange food, though that is important. This has to do with developing cultural humility and a welcoming spirit. It demands we repent of pride, and let go of our desire to be in control. These are not easy, but they shape and mold us into Christ-likeness.
My trainee had been in Cambodia for six months. In his training, we had taught about adapting to culture and its importance. At first, it was fun and exciting to live in a new land. That soon wore off. Now, he missed home, especially his own food.
Being from the land of spices, many of the things that might bother a Westerner were not difficult for him. What was hard was the food. “Why would that be a struggle?” I wondered. Rice and flavorful sauces…they seemed similar to me! Not to him.
When I arrived, he was struggling deeply. As I probed, he blurted out his issue. “I can’t understand why they have to put sugar in their curry. That is not the right way to make curry!”
We have a tendency to think our own ways of cooking, eating, thinking, relating…basically of doing everything, are the right ways. Until you get beyond this, it’s very hard to adjust.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Romans 12:3 NIV.
This is one of the easiest in many ways, though as in the example of my Indian friend, it can become challenging over time. Not only must you be willing to try new foods, you must take the next step and learn to cook them. Let their commonly eaten food become what you frequently eat as well. Food is a huge bridge into the hearts of the people you want to reach.
We each have our own distinctive styles of clothing we prefer. Adapting to another completely different way of dressing is difficult. For a man who has never worn a piece of cloth wrapped around their waste, it feels strange. Wearing national clothing, even when those around you have westernized, shows love for the culture of those you want to reach. It communicates…I like you and your people!
Even learning a few phrases of another language opens hearts. When you speak well and fluently, you are much more likely to be accepted as an insider. This takes great effort and time. I recommend learning language in a style that builds long-term relationships. Language learning can truly be ministry!
I admit. This can be a hard one for me. Getting things done quickly, and ticked off my list is my definite personality preference. Much flexibility has been required of me in this area.
It is easy to get angry when things don’t happen quickly and our goals are not met. Whether it is waiting in a long and crowded line, the inefficiency of the way things are being done (in your perspective), you will need to adjust. It goes the other way as well. Perhaps you are now working in a Western nation where speed and efficiency are highly valued by those around you.
Another factor to observe is what it means to be “on time.” For a person from Switzerland, or the Netherlands, on time means five minutes early. In some cultures, you can be several hours late and its still considered “on time.”
We must be willing to let go of our preferences and adopt the patterns of the people we are working among. In Thailand, where I’ve lived for a few years now, there is nothing more distasteful to them then a pushy, agitated person who is in a hurry. Your witness can be destroyed in a few moments due to your inability to be flexible as it relates to time.
If you come from a nation where democratic processes are in place, you will naturally prefer that style. Those from hierarchical cultures naturally are more comfortable when there is an older leader who takes charge. “Why do they keep asking me what I want to do? They are the leader!” the local team members might think.
Learning to adapt to the authority structure of the culture you work among will save a lot of stress. Recognize the differences, and let go of your judgments about them. They are not right or wrong, just different.
How decisions are made is a very cultural thing. In some cultures, the oldest person present makes the final decision. Other cultures are communal. Nothing is decided until there is complete consensus. Don’t assume that the way your culture makes decisions is the best way for the context you are in. Observe the way things get decided among your people and flow with it. You’ll accomplish much more this way then if you try to impose a culturally different process.
This is another key worldview issue. What you considered most valuable may not be what they think is important. Adjust and adapt. Value and esteem what they value, and not only will they like and trust you, but it will be fruitful as well.
Here’s an example. Some cultures have a high value for education. Telling Chinese or Korean parents that education shouldn’t matter to them is not going to be fruitful. Instead, why not show value to it by offering tuition to their children as a way to build relationships? Instead of resisting a cultural norm, you can flow with it and use it for the Kingdom.
While I wish I could tell you that after a few years you will be fine, I can’t. Willingness to be flexible, adapt and adjust in new cultures is life-long if we desire to be a missional person. It keeps us leaning on God and walking in humility, continually asking for His help.
What is your greatest struggle with cross-cultural adaptation?
Share in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.
In missions (and life), I’m not big on formulas. I’ve found that often A+ B just doesn’t equal C. But in John 15, Jesus gives us a simple answer for how to become more fruitful. Spiritual Rituals Bring Life After returning from a long trip, …