Resources for Missionary Recruits Online by Marty Andry, Doug Lucas, and Chris Bushnell

Chapter 7

Being Strong in the Lord

"Put on the full armor of God"

The importance of knowing God has already been discussed. It is often assumed that because a person is a missionary, he has all the keys to the Christian life. Hopefully the senders have seen to it that the candidate is spiritually mature enough to face the rigorous life of ministering cross-culturally. We do not need to send out babes in the faith. For this reason it may seem strange to include this chapter. The truth is that all of us must work hard to keep our walk with God fresh. It is not easy to do anywhere, especially on the mission field. Hopefully this chapter will give some hints into how to keep our spiritual lives in order.

I had always envisioned life overseas as a slower-paced life where I would have the time to do all the things that get rushed through in the hustle and bustle of life in the U. S. A. I would have time to really get into the Word more than I ever had before. Here in the States it always seemed to get pushed aside for more "urgent" business.

Unfortunately, that is a lie that Satan wants us to believe: That we will have more time someday. The fact is when I got overseas, I found my life-style even more packed with activity. Something always gets cut out to make room for more appointments. I never cut out breakfast. After all, I had to keep my body fit. What I failed to realize was that I wasn't keeping my spirit fit. You've probably never said to yourself, "Someday I'm going to take time out to eat a good meal." Yet if we are honest with ourselves, all too often we say to ourselves, "When I'm not so busy, I'll improve my devotional life."

All too many missions recruits have deceived themselves into thinking that they would be able to "get it together" once they got overseas. After all, they've been busy with finishing an education and raising support. What they often find out is that life even in the most primitive place is still filled with activity and often the very fact that life is simpler and moves at a slower pace makes it harder to keep up with a consistent spiritual life. For instance, in many places waiting in line is a way of life. While working as a missionary in South America, it regularly took one of the authors an average of three hours to go through the process of simply paying the rent!

The difficulty of keeping spiritually fit is multiplied dozens of times overseas. Most of us do not realize how much we rely on other people and resources for spiritual nourishment. We hear at least two sermons a week, not to mention Bible classes, prayer meetings, retreats, conventions and programs via radio and television. In many malls you can find a Christian bookstore, and Christian records and tapes can be purchased in any music store. One will quickly find that overseas these conveniences are few and far between. We haven't even spoken of the many opportunities for Christian fellowship on this side. Some missionaries may find that they are the only Christians for hundreds of miles. Thus, a newcomer to the field will soon find that it us totally up to him or her to keep a spiritual walk constant and fresh. The spiritual warfare overseas is often more fierce than a person has ever faced.

The bottom line is that if you wait to cultivate your spiritual life until you make it to the field, you may be too late. If a missionary's spiritual life fizzles out, what good will he accomplish among those who don't know God? It will be up to you to initiate a deep, lasting relationship with the Father.

There is no time like the present to begin building this relationship. Chances are, you are not as busy today as you will be down the road. Remember that you will need just as much spiritual strength and encouragement as you raise support as you will when you get on the field. If you need improvements in your walk with the Lord, begin today.

Growing in Christ does not come by a magical formula. It comes by steady commitment and hard work. Neither does it happen overnight. There is no set of rules to follow and since we are all different, no one method of sustaining a good devotional life will work for everyone. But there are some principles that should be helpful to us all.

"Be still and know that I am God"

We have become accustomed to noise. Not long ago some friends from overseas were visiting in one of the authors' homes. Eventually, the missionary guest asked who was watching television. As a matter of fact, the author hadn't even noticed that it was blaring to an empty family room. No one was watching it and yet it sounded perfectly normal for it to be playing. Most of us go everywhere with noise. The radio alarm wakes us. We listen to the radio or television as we get ready for school or work. . How many of us have a car without a radio?

We need to go "off the air" to communicate with God every day. Most of us are uncomfortable with silence. Remember that God did not appear to Elijah in the powerful wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in a gentle whisper. There is no substitute for a daily quiet time. Neither is there anything harder to maintain. Experiment and be creative to find a method that works for you.

"Thy word have I hid"

Almost every Christian worker knows the danger and still almost all of us fall into the snare at one time or another. Our lives and work are so filled with using the Bible that we begin to use it as we would use a dictionary or an encyclopedia. There are two forms of Bible study: preparation for classes and sermons or devotional study. We all need both at one time or another.

Of course what happens more often than not is that we are required to study in preparation for classes, sermons, and studies. However, only you can require yourself to keep your flame burning by devotional study. Again be creative in your approach to devotional Bible study. There are countless helps and plans at every Christian bookstore. Get into the habit of reading the Bible as God's personal letter to you and not as a reference book.

Keep Bible reading fresh by trying out different versions. Each time you may get different insights. Set goals for Bible reading such as going through the whole Bible and memorizing certain passages and books. Find a plan that will take you through the Bible every year.

"Pray that you will not fall. . ."

"Prayer is what gives power to missions!" [Schmidt, John, dir. , The Wait of the World, Gospel Films, 1986.] And yet, all too often what is the first thing to go amid trying to reach the lost? I fear it is prayer. Prayer should be the beginning and end of a missionary's work. A decision to commit yourself to being a missionary should be steeped in prayer. Prayer is the key tool in support-raising. Prayer is what gives success to a mission endeavor. As important as prayer may be, some of us need to say, "Lord, teach us to pray." Here are some guidelines for a daily time of prayer:

• Praise, singing and praying aloud whatever is in your heart.
• Read Scripture, especially Psalms and Proverbs.
• Praise, specifically about the things you gleaned from the Scripture.
• Confess things of which the Scripture has convicted you and for sin in your own personal life in.
• Thanksgiving for what the Scripture has shown you and for other blessings.
• Petition the Lord for needs and cares of your life and ministry.
• Intercede for co-workers, fellow-Christians, prospective contacts, those back at home, missionaries in other fields, and the lost of the world.

As you pray, remember that you are only a small part of God's worldwide plan for reaching the lost. There are thousands out there going through the same experiences you are facing, whether you are on the field or raising support. Be informed about other missionaries. Subscribe to Horizons, a magazine from Missions Services Association detailing news about missionaries of the Restoration Movement. [Write MSA, P. O. Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901 or call 1-615-577-9740.]

Get a copy of Operation World by Patrick Johnstone which lists every country in the world with detailed information and prayer requests that God would move in a mighty way worldwide. Pray for harvesters and senders.

"Sing to the Lord"

Music is a more vital part of our spiritual well being than we usually realize. Think of how important Christian music is to corporate worship. You may not realize how important hymns, choruses, and contemporary Christian music are until you are isolated from them. When you leave for your field, take a hymnal and a chorus book. Take tapes and records of your favorite Christian music and ask a friend or relative to keep you updated by sending you the latest releases from your favorite artists. Remember to take along music that is special during certain times of the year such as Christmas music.

"And the Books"

It is often an assumption among the people back home that the missionary is out of touch. In many cases that is true. But the missionary must be on guard to keep his mind current and alive. No one ever reaches the point where he can stop learning. It has been said that leaders who have plateaued are the biggest cork in the bottle of the church. The missionary must continue to be a learner. He must find ways to keep up-to-date on current thought and findings in his field. That is not easy to do but it is vital.

To stay on the cutting edge of the field, the missionary should read a good balance of journals and books. Keep up with the latest releases from the major Christian publishers such as, InterVarsity Press, Multnomah, and Zondervan as well as those from Restoration Movement publishers such as College Press, Christian Standard, and Missions Services. Be sure to subscribe to Christian Standard, Lookout, and Horizons. Keep yourself and your ministry fresh and alive by reading. Both Christian Standard and Lookout are available without charge to any missionary who requests them. [Write to Standard Publishing, 8121 Hamilton Av. , Cincinnati, OH 45231 or call (in the USA) 1-800-543-1301 (in Ohio call 1-800-582-1385).]

"As for me and my house"

Being overseas can be an extra difficult challenge for families. A family worship time helps to give strength to each family member and instills these values into the lives of children. Children will see what their priorities in life should be if parents make worshipping God and praying of utmost importance. Sing, pray, and read and memorize Scripture as a family. There are a number of excellent devotional books available you can use. Also you can get Our Daily Bread from Standard Publishing and Every Day With Jesus, produced in Great Britain, but sold all over the world. [CWR, 10 Brooklands Close, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middx. TW16 7DX, UK]

"And I will give you rest"

More than once in the Gospels we find Jesus going by himself into the hills to pray. Especially when He had been teaching for extended periods of time to large groups of people. Jesus knew the importance of "getting away from it all." The day in and day out routine of ministry and the same scenery every day tends to cause us to fall in a rut. Whether your work is growing rapidly or if it is slow and perhaps discouraging, you need to get away from your surroundings for a time of rest and refreshment. At least once a year it is vital that you enjoy a vacation - absolutely no work allowed.

It is also important when you are on furlough to take advantage of seminars, conventions and retreats to keep up-to-date on current topics of interest and to be fed and enriched from the experiences of fellow-Christians.

Cultivating a Close Walk

It is no surprise to any of us that this area of consistently walking closely with the Father is difficult. Yet it is ironic that this area, which is at the top of the list in importance, is so hard for us. When it comes right down to it, the bottom line is commitment. It has been said, "If you feel far from God, guess who moved?" You must make it a priority to put Him first even when the bubbly feeling may not be there.

Myron Loss, in his classic work, Culture Shock, , talks about things that you can do on the mission field to help make the whole journey more positive. [(Winona Lake, IN 46590: Light and Life Press), pp. 85-101.]

• Set reasonable goals. Most first term missionaries plan too much to do and expect too much of themselves. One of your primary goals should be to learn the language and the culture. So relax a little and allow yourself to observe and learn what is happening.
• Don't be too serious about your job description. Be ready to do things you had not planned to do.
• Be people-, not program-oriented. As a missionary you are in the people business. Use programs to help people, not people to enhance programs.
• Make an effort to always be filled with joy. There is much in this world to be sad about, but in the midst of the greatest sadness, a Christian can make a difference by being filled with joy.
• Maintain good emotional health. Have friends and personal interests that provide you with a measure of satisfaction.
• "Roll with the punches." Be prepared with alternatives when problems arise.
• Be truly humble. Accept your limitations and assets.
• Take care of yourself physically. Have a regular exercise program — walking, running, aerobics, bicycling. People who regularly exercise seem better able to cope with life's difficult situations. Have regular physical check-ups.
• Read at least one good book a month.
• Keep up your spiritual nourishment with regular Bible studies and devotional times.
• Don't be afraid of being a little eccentric. You are who you are. Enjoy yourself as you let Christ fill your unique personality.
• Don't take yourself too seriously. Develop a good sense of humor and especially the ability to laugh at yourself. The following poem expresses it well:

"If I had my life to live over again I'd try to make more mistakes next time.

I would relax, I would limber up, I would be sillier than I have been on this trip.

I know of very few things I would take seriously.

I would take more trips; I would be crazier.

I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.

I would do more walking and looking.

I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would have more actual troubles and few imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who lives life prophylactically and sensibly hour after hour and day after day.

Oh, I've had my moments and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them.

In fact, I'd try to have nothing else just moments one after another instead of living so many years ahead each day.

I've been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin and a parachute.

If I had to do it over again I would go places, do things and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over again I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.

I would play hookey more often.

I wouldn't make such good grades except by accident.

I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.

I'd pick more daisies."

[Tim Hansel, When I Relax I Feel Guilty (Elgin, Illinois: David C. Cook, 1979), pp. 44-45.]

• Learn to say "NO" when you know that you can successfully handle no more. When the Lord's work seems to be a curse on you, then you are probably overloaded.
• When stress or pressure seem to be too great, take a break. . . Go on a vacation. . . Get away for at least a day. . . Get involved in some vigorous activity. . . Enjoy lunch or supper at a quiet restaurant with a special person or just by yourself. . . Take a long hot bath. . . Go shopping. Curl up with a good book.
• Forgive yourself and others.
• Establish some close friendships with nationals.
• Be an encourager.
• Be thankful.
• Finally, remember you are not alone!

Lest you forget . . . The Fine Art of Journaling

Have you ever wondered how great writers can produce such exciting books? Do they just sit down and capture a flow of ideas from beginning to end? Or do they do years of research and then begin to write? One tool that they, as well as missionaries, have used for generations is the journal.

A journal could be described as the living record of both the dates, times and events as well as the emotional and interactional impact of those events upon the writer of the journal. Keeping a journal becomes a daily exercise in personal dialogue between the right side and the left side of the brain. One side is experiencing and recording all the events, dates, times and places. The other side is experiencing emotional and interactional impact. Both aspects are vital parts of our mental makeup. In the journal we attempt to record both aspects.

Many people do not keep journals because they are certain they will never forget either the technical or emotional data, somewhat like students who never take notes in class, but assure themselves they will pass any and all exams. Unfortunately few of us are so blessed. Growing up in an information society which focuses on written notes as memory keys, we tend to remember things better when we write them down.

What do you need beside a pen and notebook? During the day and especially at the close of the day listen to both sides of your mind. Get down the facts and mix in the emotions and interaction. Result: A Journal.

Value? First, you have a record of what happened. Next, you have something you can share with friends and loved ones. One missionary who travels extensively keeps a journal so that his wife can know what was happening each day he was gone as well as know all about his journey. The journal provides a valuable link between the couple. Finally, the journal can provide an excellent source of information for newsletters, reports to supporters, published articles, and who knows, maybe someday, a best seller book!

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