Going Isn’t Easy

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An Excerpt From Laura’s Ladies Brunch

It seems like very often, the realization hits me in a whole new way that we are leaving for years at a time. That the next time we will be able to experience a Washington summer or Fall, or go to the Fair, or celebrate Christmas or another holiday with our families will be likely four years away. That for years, before a church is established in the village, the only regular fellowship we will have with other believers is with our teammates in the tribe. That I won’t be able to run to the store for ice cream when I feel like it. That Addy won’t be able to spend these next few years getting to know her grandparents like other kids normally do. That we’re going to miss out on that family birthday party, or friend’s wedding, or church event.

I don’t tell you this to pity me or feel bad for me; I just want you all to have a good understanding of what some missionaries go through. I feel like so often it is easy for people to elevate missionaries to a spot above themselves as a ‘normal person,” thinking that because God is leading the missionary to do something different than the cultural norm, it is easy to up and leave the life they lived in their home culture. That they, as missionaries, don’t have any desire for the so called “American dream.” I think a lot of people have the misconception that because we are missionaries, just because the Lord is leading us in a certain direction, it is easy to follow Him to the ends of the earth, forsaking all else, when in fact, we are normal people. I have fears and struggles and worry and doubt. It is easy to trust God with my own life, but let me tell you, it is so much harder to trust him with Addy’s life. Knowing that when we are in the village and she is sick, we won’t have access to a doctor or hospital or healthcare, aside from a medical evacuation. Knowing I am going to have to learn to trust God in whole new ways, knowing Addy’s life is in His hands. This is one of my biggest fears. Trusting Him with her. Sometimes I also worry about having to homeschool Addy, as it’s not something I could ever see myself doing up until a few years ago, when I learned it would likely be our only option for educating our kids one day in our context. I worry when I get judgmental comments from people who think it’s unwise to raise our daughter in an environment like what we will be living in. In the back of my mind, I stress about not having an accredited college degree, for whenever we end up returning to the States. I have worries; I have fears. One thought that gets me through them though, comes from 1 Corinthians 3:19, which says that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. What we are doing may not make sense to unbelievers who have no concept of eternity, but rather invest in finite thing. But we can trust God and know that he sees far more than we can when it comes to our future, and he will bless what we are investing in.

As far as fears and doubts, I want to be sure that I am communicating this all clearly. I do not want you guys to think that I am not fully convinced that tribal missions is where God is leading us, that I’m having second thoughts; nor do I want you to think that I am just following Micah in all of this; that this is what he wants, and I’m just “submitting.” No, we have prayed long and hard, dedicating years of our lives to make this happen. It is not something we take lightly. We are fully convinced of God’s heart for the nations and the need for the gospel in every language. I just want you to understand what it’s all about. That we’re not doing it because it’s exciting, and we desire to live in a jungle for the next 15 years. I hate camping and bugs. I love cities. I love having a grocery store 5 minutes away and having 50 restaurants to choose from within a couple of miles, and a hospital in the next town over.

But, we are doing this for the sake of the gospel. The good news of Christ is worth whatever sacrifice we have to make, whether convenience, or health, or a career here in the states, or time with family, friends, or our wonderful church. We are willing to make these sacrifices if it means that others may come to know our great Savior and have the chance to spend eternity with Him, rather than face an eternity separated from Him. That is what it’s all about. How can I not go, knowing what I do, having had the training that I have, being raised in the Christian environment that I was. Luke 12:48 says “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And one of my favorite verses is Colossians 1:28-29, which says “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works in me.” These verses speak of hard work. Paul toiled, he struggled to preach the gospel; to present everyone mature in Christ. And it was not through his strength or abilities that it was accomplished, but rather through God’s strength.

In 1 Corinthians Paul says he does “all things for the sake of the gospel.” I pray that this is my goal; that the expanse of the gospel is, and always will be, my number one priority. No matter what I have to sacrifice.

Another thing I want to communicate clearly, is that I know that Micah and I are not the only ones sacrificing. Our ministry team, our supporters, are making sacrifices too. I know that money can be tight and it is a step of faith on each of our supporters and churches part to commit to supporting us financially. It’s also a sacrifice for our families, us leaving, being gone for years at a time. I’m taking away my parents only grandchild, 2000 miles away to be raised. My parents, Micah’s parents, both are making sacrifices. And we are so thankful for each and every one of you that has committed to supporting us, whether financially or through prayer. So I get it, reaching the lost is hard on everyone’s part. But God doesn’t promise that it will be easy, he promises that he will be with us. And ultimately, He is what this is all about. Glorifying Him through bringing others to Himself.