By Frank Severn — Why is it so hard for Christian parents to freely let their grown children become missionaries? That question often puzzled me as I interacted with committed Christian students and young adults. Some who believed that God was calling them to serve Christ among the least-evangelized peoples of the world never followed through because of their parents’ opposition.
First, I admit it is not easy to joyfully send your children to a distant country, or even a close city that may not be perceived as safe and healthy. When my daughter and her husband responded to God’s direction for their lives and headed off to Ukraine in the 1990s, I rejoiced but also had very mixed feelings. This was especially true when I suddenly realized our first granddaughter would be with them! We had committed each of our children to the Lord at birth and prayed that they would joyfully follow him even to the ends of the earth; however, it was not easy to see them leave. That is natural. We love our children and grandchildren. We want to protect them from disease and danger.
For me it was a test of faith. Did I really believe that following God’s will is always best? Did I really believe that Christ’s promise is true – “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things (food, protection, daily provisions, etc.) will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33
)? Did I really believe Jesus’ words when he gave the Great Commission – “I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20)?
Second, I believe we have been deceived into thinking that home, or at least our own country, is the safest place to be. What is to say that my son or daughter will be safe and better off by not going? Accidents happen everywhere. Sicknesses occur here, too.
I sadly remember the story of a wonderful young woman in the Philippines whom my wife and I knew well. She had dedicated her life to the Lord and believed she should go to Bible school to prepare to serve God. Her father was one of the key leaders of the church we were helping to establish. He, however, had other plans for his daughter. He wanted her to become a nurse and eventually go to America where she would earn a good wage, which would help her family. This was and is a very normal plan for a Filipino family. He said, “No, you cannot go to Bible school.” The young lady was heartbroken and found herself in an untenable situation. Being a good Filipina, she obeyed her parents. Sadly, she ended up marrying an unbeliever and her life was miserable.
We have been led to believe the American dream. We want our children to do well in life. We would like them to get a good job and raise a family and be close enough that we can enjoy our grandchildren. Yes, it is fine if they serve God here. After all there are many needs at home. I would not deny that America has great spiritual needs. Nor would I say that serving Christ here is second to missions. The question must always be, what is God’s will for our children? That is always good and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
Christ’s clear command to all of us is to “ask the Lord of harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). I prayed that prayer for me personally and for my children and grandchildren. After all, I cannot think of a greater contribution they could make for Christ and his Kingdom than to introduce unreached people to Jesus.
When we finish life, what will last? Money? No. Things and possessions? No! What lasts for eternity is people who are either with Christ in heaven or eternally separated from him. There can be no higher calling than to carry the Good News, which is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16)!
There is also a wonderful promise of Jesus given to Peter when he said, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 19:28-30).
We appreciate the sacrifices that families make when their loved ones serve as missionaries. Prayer can help bridge the gap. Download a free bookmark with daily themes to help you pray for your missionary family members.
