- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Guys, need some advice re mission work outside the US
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:14 pm
I know this isn't the best place for real advice but my family and I are desperate. My sister and her husband are 24, very good Christian people. They have a home, good jobs, close to us, etc. They feel like they are being called to up and sell their home and start a life of mission work for the foreseeable future. In January, they will be going to Tijuana for 11 months for training before being placed in another country. I don't understand how someone could put themselves in such a dangerous place at will. I understand they feel like they are being called but I'm afraid they don't understand the dangers of this. They just appear to be dead set and don't consider the practical things in life like retiring, raising our kids together, etc.
This is killing us. My son will not know his aunt or uncle or his cousins. Our relationship will never be the same and we will all be in a constant state of worry. My mom is not in good health and this will send her into a depression. My parents are begging her to reconsider but all she says is they can't ignore this calling.
Any way we can stop this or are they blinded by this fantasy to save the world?
This is killing us. My son will not know his aunt or uncle or his cousins. Our relationship will never be the same and we will all be in a constant state of worry. My mom is not in good health and this will send her into a depression. My parents are begging her to reconsider but all she says is they can't ignore this calling.
Any way we can stop this or are they blinded by this fantasy to save the world?
31
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:15 pm to LETSGEAUX2
quote:sounds like they've made their decision. They're adults. Your family needs to grow up and be supportive.
I know this isn't the best place for real advice but my family and I are desperate. My sister and her husband are 24, very good Christian people. They have a home, good jobs, close to us, etc. They feel like they are being called to up and sell their home and start a life of mission work for the foreseeable future. In January, they will be going to Tijuana for 11 months for training before being placed in another country. I don't understand how someone could put themselves in such a dangerous place at will. I understand they feel like they are being called but I'm afraid they don't understand the dangers of this. They just appear to be dead set and don't consider the practical things in life like retiring, raising our kids together, etc.
This is killing us. My son will not know his aunt or uncle or his cousins. Our relationship will never be the same and we will all be in a constant state of worry. My mom is not in good health and this will send her into a depression. My parents are begging her to reconsider but all she says is they can't ignore this calling.
Any way we can stop this or are they blinded by this fantasy to save the world?
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:15 pm to LETSGEAUX2
quote:
Any way we can stop this
Nope.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:16 pm to LETSGEAUX2
You ever heard of the serenity prayer?
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:17 pm to LETSGEAUX2
They are adults, let them do what they want to do. Sounds like you're being selfish. Not everyone wants to live the same life as you.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:18 pm to hashtag
It is their lives. They have to choose. The reasons you are against this seem to be selfish. Lots of families don't grow up next to their cousins and uncles.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:18 pm to LETSGEAUX2
No offense, but the words "I," "my," "us," and "we" are littered throughout your post.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:19 pm to LETSGEAUX2
I have two friends who did this. They had each of their 3 kids in different countries in Africa. Some of the most dangerous places on the continent too. They are the two happiest people I know. I say if your family members are hearing the call to do this, let them. Support them and love them. Regardless of your feelings on their decision, it is their decision alone. It's not your place to talk them out of it.
This post was edited on 6/16/14 at 12:21 pm
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:19 pm to Tiger Ryno
I admit, a lot of it is for selfish reasons but I made the mistake of googling info about Tijuana and can't understand why they would go there. Why not across the country where we can at least have communication and know they are much less likely to be robbed by cartel?
Damn didn't expect to be lambasted for being scared for their safety. I just think they are naive but I guess they will do what they want.
Damn didn't expect to be lambasted for being scared for their safety. I just think they are naive but I guess they will do what they want.
This post was edited on 6/16/14 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:20 pm to LETSGEAUX2
They are adults. Stupid adults, but adults.
Let them be.
Let them be.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:20 pm to LETSGEAUX2
I would have a priest/pastor reach out to them about the great need for them in Canada or Europe, etc., somewhere safe.
If it were my child, I would inform them of my recent vision telling me to tell them Ireland and showing them pictures of the green clovers that I awoke to in my bed. You do what you have to do.
If that failed, I would put them in contact with local mission in Cozumel or Cancun.
If it were my child, I would inform them of my recent vision telling me to tell them Ireland and showing them pictures of the green clovers that I awoke to in my bed. You do what you have to do.
If that failed, I would put them in contact with local mission in Cozumel or Cancun.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:20 pm to Epic Cajun
Has been my experience that God makes provision for those He calls and those who love and care for those called....our youngest has gone overseas twice and done quite well, as has her family, and though not ministry our son did two tours to Iraq and did quite well and I believe God was just as involved with him and us as He was with our youngest
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:21 pm to LETSGEAUX2
Charity starts at home. America is plenty messed up, they could fill their mission work quota with ease without needing leave their local city or state..
To necessarily 'go abroad' to do so, at times strikes me as cliche(despite the world having so much worse conditions and need)..
Respect those I've known that did go abroad, but also see massive need here in the US..just may not give the missioners that same 'life experience' satisfaction or scratch that 'walkabout' wanderlust.
To necessarily 'go abroad' to do so, at times strikes me as cliche(despite the world having so much worse conditions and need)..
Respect those I've known that did go abroad, but also see massive need here in the US..just may not give the missioners that same 'life experience' satisfaction or scratch that 'walkabout' wanderlust.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:22 pm to LETSGEAUX2
quote:
Why not across the country
I never understand mission trips outside the US...Shouldn't we focus on fixing what is right in front of us first..?
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:25 pm to LETSGEAUX2
No doubt you are being selfish. If your sis and husband have this inner calling, u have to let them answer it.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:25 pm to GrammarKnotsi
I agree.
This is really hurting. My dad is begging her to consider something in the US. She's asked him to come to tour the site they will be staying at and he has declined, saying he's not interested in anything outside of the US.
I am scared he is going to push her away but he has the best intentions. I love my sister so much because she has the heart to do something like this but for selfish reasons, it hurts. Makes us feel like we aren't good enough.
Thanks for the input guys, guess it's time to accept this.
This is really hurting. My dad is begging her to consider something in the US. She's asked him to come to tour the site they will be staying at and he has declined, saying he's not interested in anything outside of the US.
I am scared he is going to push her away but he has the best intentions. I love my sister so much because she has the heart to do something like this but for selfish reasons, it hurts. Makes us feel like we aren't good enough.
Thanks for the input guys, guess it's time to accept this.
This post was edited on 6/16/14 at 12:26 pm
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:27 pm to LETSGEAUX2
You only live once, you make the most of the life you have. They are going for it! The fact that they are leaving on an exciting journey does not minimize those left behind. It is a part of the cost of discipleship. I know a great many missionary kids. They are usually very solid emotionally and well educated.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:28 pm to LETSGEAUX2
quote:
for selfish reasons, it hurts. Makes us feel like we aren't good enough
Take a moment to get out of your own pity party and realize you have ZERO influence over the choices and decisions of other people. If they are family, you support them. If your goal is to drive them away, continue doing what you're doing.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:29 pm to LETSGEAUX2
I've lived and worked in some of the most dangerous places in the world with only minor issues. If they have good situational awareness they will be fine.
Most people can only stomach 2-3 years in a rough 3rd world environment. I'd just let it play out. They'll likely be back in the US within a year.
Most people can only stomach 2-3 years in a rough 3rd world environment. I'd just let it play out. They'll likely be back in the US within a year.
Posted on 6/16/14 at 12:29 pm to 9Fiddy
You're right. I want to be clear, I am upset for selfish reasons but more than that, I am scared for them. Missionaries have stopped going to Tijuana because of the high rates of crime against Americans. I want them to understand this before committing.
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News