One of the scariest parts of going on the mission field is that we have to quit our paying jobs and have to rely fully on the support of others. It's really funny because we have already gotten the stares and questions like, "Now is Brian staying in the US working and you will go without him?" "Can you work in another country?" "How will you make money?"
I completely understand that many people have many questions because this is so out of the ordinary on how the vast majority in the United States lives. So here are my answers some great questions starting with the definition in the dictionary:
mis·sion·ar·y
n. pl. mis·sion·ar·ies
1. One who is sent on a mission, especially one sent to do religious or charitable work in a territory or foreign country.
Q. Do you have to sell everything?
A. We don't HAVE to sell everything but most missionaries sell most everything, for several reasons. 1. It costs a ton to move things overseas. 2. Because they want invest their time and attention into helping people learn about God's love.
Q. Can you work for a paycheck?
A. Missionaries can't work overseas for a paycheck because it takes jobs away from people that need them. Also because we are so busy volunteering our time in free clinics, women's shelters, schools, street ministries, etc.
Q. Is Brian staying in the U.S. to work and while you go?
A. No....This is going to be hard enough leaving our adult children. We want to show the people in the Dominican what a healthy marital relationship with love and respect looks like. We will definitely need each other's love and support while we are there.
Q. Do churches send you?
A. Churches do play a part in the financial support and with the emotional and prayful support. But mostly financial support is from individuals.
Q. ARE YOU SCARED????
A. Yes...and excited because I fully believe that God is in control of how every aspect of our serving will play out. His plan completely! I have had my human moments that caused nervous flips in my stomach like the other day while driving and talking to Him, thanking Him for all His provisions but doubting for a quick second...what if we won't have enough supporters?? He told me, "100 partners in 100 days!" WOW....I love that! I know it was Him because it popped into my head and if you really know me I am never quite that quick of a thinker...haha!
Even though I hate the thought of asking for money...I do feel like when we make a financial donation, it makes us feel more invested. I TRULY WANT TO BE PARTNERS, I want to feel your presence with us. I know this sounds strange because we need to survive but I truly don't care if it's $25 or $1,000! I want it to be an amount that you can commit long term.
So....I am asking you now to please start praying about becoming one of our partners that will make a commitment to send a monthly donation, to pray for us whenever you think of it, to share our story about what we are doing to fight Human Exploitation in the Dominican Republic, to email or facebook or write letters of encouragement. And hopefully visit on a missions trip!
100 sponsors in 100 days will begin Feb 1st - May 11th. I can't wait to see God's work in and through all of us to be the change!
God...please continue to show us your plan for our lives. We want to fill out the dream you have for our lives. We want to be faithful with all you give us and all the lives you want us to touch. Please give our future partners a desire in their heart to invest in the eternal lives of the woman and children being exploited in the Dominican. We love and trust and cherish our relationship with you Father. Amen.
