Are you lonesome tonight?

I have been thinking a lot the last couple of days about the typical roles of sender/goer in the missions movement. The Western church has simplified the missions movement or even the great commission to two simple roles: those who go and those who send (give money). I am not convinced its that simple. Frankly, I believe there are many who give money and never even let the thought cross their mind about going. But that is not what I want to write about per se. Really what is on my heart is the issue of missionary care. 

Missionaries know that their role is sacrificial. The truth of Jesus ultimate value makes that sacrifice worthwhile but it does not diminish the sacrifice. Mothers know that the promise of a baby doesn't necessarily make the discomfort for nine months and the delivery pain free. Clearly, most moms choose to do it multiple times so they see the value of the pain compared to the reward, but the pain is still there. 

Being a missionary can be incredibly lonely. Especially in the beginning, when new relationships are being established. I am lucky, I am still in North America with all it's amenities. Internet, air conditioning, indoor plumbing, etc. I can call my mom daily (and have) just to connect with a friendly face. Missionaries need people who invest in them on a weekly basis to make sure that they are doing ok. Depending on temperaments, personalities, giftings, etc there is a whole range of things that missionaries need. Strategic development, spiritual accountability, encouragement, and so much more. While all of this is desperately needed and in short supply, there is an equally true reality that sustainability for a missionary does not rest in the hands of a care team. If a missionary does not have the wherewithal to sustain themselves emotionally, spiritually, and mentally with just themselves and The Lord...burnout will come. Humans only have so much internal resource to give to a situation without being filled up again. There is a river of living water within each believer but if that river is not being drawn from it will run dry. Bill Johnson wrote a book called "Strengthen yourself in The Lord." I highly recommend it. 

Much of the last three weeks has felt like a wilderness for me. I always tell everyone, the wilderness is the best place to go, because that's where you encounter God. Hosea 2:14 says, "and now here's what I am going to do: I am going to start all over again. I am taking her back out into the wilderness where we had our first date, and I will court her. (Another version says speak tenderly to her) I will give her bouquets of roses. I will turn heartbreak valley into acres of hope and she will respond to me like she did as a young girl, those days when she was fresh out of Egypt." (MSG). In Song of Songs 8:5 it says, "who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?" 

The wilderness leads you to recognize your barrenness and complete dependence on The Lord. It is a good place to go. So even though this 3 weeks has been difficult, it is also very good and I choose to be grateful for all that God is doing in my heart.