Most of you know that my husband and i are planning on being overseas missionaries one day.
We don't know where we are going, we don't know we'll get there but we do know that our God is bigger than these questions and that He has told us to go so we are going. I admit, i'm scared when I think about it too much. And there are some things that I don't want to do. But I'm willing for God to make me willing.
One of those things that I don't want to do is what missionaries call "deputation". That's just a fancy word for going around to different churches and groups and raising the prayerful and financial support we'll need to keep us on the mission field.
I just hate speaking in front of groups. It's made even harder right now because we haven't got pictures to share or a specific ministry to talk about. I think once we've actually been there it'll be easier since I'll be able to talk from experience.
For now we'll share our testimonies and what "called" us into missions and what our plans are. Geoff says I can talk about growing up in Senegal. But I could sum it all up in about 2 seconds. I don't want to bore people. I don't know what they want to hear about.
So i'm asking you, my dear real life and real life bloggy friends.
What questions would you asked if i came to speak to you?
What would you be interested in hearing more about?
Please help me out here!
Any and all questions welcome!
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11 comments:
Deputation used to be "lovingly" referred to among missionaries as the "tin cup tour". It isn't easy, especially when you are not sure where you are headed...but God will give you the words to speak. Mostly I think that people want to feel connected to their missionaries and not just like people are breezing through their church looking for money! Share your heart...they'll love you! Then they will want to be a part of what God is calling you to.
Show them that you're a real person. You'll hear silly things like: "I could never do that, I don't like snakes!"...Well, betting most of us don't either, and that's not our purpose for going. I think I may have some of my power points/notes if you want any. Love you!
I remember your story on the sidebar was very interesting to read, when I read it long ago. I would somehow include pieces of that.
What I want to know from our missionaries is: 1. Their testimony, 2. When and how they felt the call to the missionfield, and 3. That they have a plan...even if it is simply that they are waiting on the Lord for direction. That, in itself, is a plan.
My 2 and one half cents!
Just like the rest of it, lean on Jesus...he'll get you through...listen to me, I am doing the devotional tonight at our co-op meeting and my stomach is knotting up!
Becky K.
im with carrie... show them that your real... just like all the rest of us.. and maybe explain what is it that you guys will be doing while there.. maybe...
i guess i get 3 entries than! i'm leaving a comment, and i am already a blog follower! all right! good luck on your endeavor!
First of all, I think you personally do great speaking in front of people even though you think you don't. Keep something in your hand when you talk to draw the nervousness away, it works, really! If you both came to our church to talk about your ministry I would ask you a ton of questions! But to pick one, I would want to know how you think your ministry will affect your children and what you all would do to make them feel secure even though they were traveling a lot. :) Oh...and you know me, I am a BIG follower AND check the blog a few times a day, always hoping for more than 1 blog/day!
I'm with Mrs. Rabe and Carrie. Keep it real!...people want to know who YOU are and feel your heart. I already know you are good at that, because I keep coming back to your blog and always look forward to your next entry. Also, talk about the boys and how they will be involved. You don't have to have everything all 'mapped out' ahead of time...people will respect you for simply opening your heart to God's direction and 'waiting' on the Lord. So be as open and candid with the people as possible, and they will embrace you! Praying for peace and direction as you visit your churches!
Big Hugs,
Tanya
Well, Melissa, I would want to know what would be the biggest cultural differences and how you think you'll be able to adjust to these differences.
Also, I've heard of some missionaries sending their children to boarding schools because they were so busy do mission work. How will you be able to do missionary work and still care for and teach your own children?
I would definitely want to hear your testimony and also how you plan on doing this Mission's work while having children.
I never bore of listening to missionaries, even if they are asking for money, if they speak from their heart. So, speak from your heart and show people that you are real and have a heartbeat for the ministry that you are going to serve.
I would love to hear about your extended family and the support/reservation that they feel.
Hi, I get really nervous & shy when I know God wants me to testify at church but I just ask him to put the right words in my mouth like he told Moses he would do for him. Just let them know everything you just said in your post about waiting for God's direction, give details about his calling on your lives and remember this; most people will not get tired of hearing of the goodness of God in your life. And you guys are putting yourselves out there to serve others bringing them the gospel, remember that was the last thing Jesus asked his disciples (including us modern day ones) to do. So be encouraged in that:)
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