Called to missions need advice

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

cinder

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2014
4,444
2,431
113
#21
So much I could say, but all I will say is that if you feel called to serve God overseas, I doubt you will find a better set up that will let you do so and still be a significant part of your sons' lives. You haven't mentioned how often you get to see the boys now, but Skype is great and if you are being offered the chance to Skype daily then it sounds like your receiving organization will place a pretty high value on your family. Add to that the fact that you make it sound like your boys think this is the coolest thing ever, and though it will be tough at times I think you should go for it. Barring any major upsets in your visit that is.

If you get a chance during your visit try to meet with other families who are foreigners there to ask about things like what they were told would happen vs what actually happened (this can be a huge discrepancy especially in cultures where they always tell you what they think you want to hear), schooling options for your child, what you should stock up on and bring with you because you can't easily buy it there, etc.

As far as the overseas thing, living in Haiti or living two states away ends up being really about the same in terms of the impact on the time you will spend in person with your sons. If anything, living overseas means that when you do come home everyone makes it a point to see each other because they can't do it easily just anytime they feel like it.

One last thing about being called and family, it sounds like you have probably done this already, but the call and the sacrifices are something the whole family shares. Your wife and children need to have their voices heard and be behind this decision. Also if you do end up living abroad pay special attention to your wife getting her social needs met. It is very easy for women with small children who are living abroad to become extremely isolated and lonely while the men are so wrapped up in ministry activities they're never around, so here's a heads up to keep an eye out for that kind of attack on your family as well, wherever you end up.
 
A

atl3128

Guest
#22
Thanks so much for all of the responses and much needed advice. Currently I live in Georgia which is about a 2hr 45min flight to Port Au Prince. I currently get to see my oldest boys every other weekend and every other school break so I would actually get to see them more days per year if I go to Haiti. I have asked for prayers from quite a few of my closest Christian brothers. The boys mother and step father are both Christians and take really good care of them. The mission field and specifically Haiti is something that has been a burden on me for some time now. This is something that has been calling me for years and I have ignored it and found excuses to stay here. I am at a point now where I have this in me and no matter what I do I cant seem to shake it and if I don't go I think i will always regret it. But if I go and it doesn't work out I can always come back right. And if I die in service to my Lord on foreign soil for His glory then so be it. God will take care of my children I have no doubts!