You may have noticed that we deleted all specifics of the organization we have participated in from our website, and now just call it “Family Education Conference.” In our ignorance we didn’t realize the depth of security measures people have to take to keep themselves safe.
Depending on what country people are in and what work they are doing, different levels of identity and purpose protection have to exist.
I know it’s less than fulfilling to read some of the vagueness we are reporting. It’s challenging to share enough details to inform and teach you all the realities without sharing too many details that would put these m!ss!on@r!es at risk.
M!ss!on@r!es- the M word…this term triggers AI bots, it causes worry for certain governments where converting nationals to Christianity is illegal. The punishment is prison or even murder in some locations. Therefore, these servants need their names, countries, pictures and identities held closely. This is why we have been vague and not shared many pictures or much information from our actual conference and the work done. Most of our posts have appeared very “vacation-y” but I promise, we have spent most of our days and time working the conference!
I have learned so much about the world of “M” work that was new to me, surprised me, or clarified things for me.
1. Many longtermers are registered or are a part of a bigger organization than just their church. These organizations serve as a middle man to collect tax deductible funds from their donors, provide receipts to their donors for tax purposes, and keep the money legit. These organizations also provide them some member care supports as well as identity protections. The organization does NOT fund them. They must seek out their own funds from their own network. This is one of the most challenging parts, and one that requires people to put aside their pride.
2. Most of the work we learned about was “church planting.” This work takes years. It requires about two years to learn some language, get settled and situated, develop an understanding of cultural norms, and begin to make relationships with neighbors and people. You must begin to live a normal life alongside your new community. Grocery shopping, taking your kids to school, working…
3. In order to get a visa into the countries, many servants open a business aligned in some way to their gifts, talents, and education. The business gives them legitimacy. Their business may or may not be profitable. If it is, great! They need less help from funders. But it’s highly unlikely it will be profitable enough to sustain them and continue to allow them to stay in the country.
4. There are two methods the servants use to connect with communities, either a “pull in” or “push out”…. Pull ins would be providing a service that locals need help with. For example: teaching English, or providing medical care. I met one woman who figured out how to navigate the countries systems like getting a driver’s license etc. then she provided services to the lower income groups, the refugees, the needy, to help them navigate the systems.
Another family, I mentioned in a previous blog, helped women learn a skill (weaving) and helped set them up for business to sell their handmade goods so they could bring income into their families. This brings on no money for the servant, but keeps her visa in place and provides access to people.
A “push out” model would be something like taking a local pottery class and meeting people who have a common interest.
Many people start with their own neighborhood. They develop community with those living close around them, they invite them to their homes for dinner and host them often. One lady told me “our work has been most successful through American Themed BBQs.” They are intrigued with Americans. They show interest in the culture and are curious. Their curiosity includes religion. Most have heard of “Christians” but they don’t know what it means. Some have heard of Jesus, but don’t know that he was raised from the dead. They think he’s just a dead prophet. Much like we may think about Buddha. Just an infamous name that most Americans know, but few would know about his actual life and death.
5. You may be surprised to hear that some servers find themselves in countries that you wouldn’t expect. We were a bit shocked to hear of an American, with their mission field being the UK and another in Germany. Like what? That’s not an unreachable place! They know who Jesus is! There’s churches! It turns out God sent them there because an influx of refugees were flooding into the UK and they have lost hope. They feel their own beliefs failed them. What better place to gather his lost sheep, support them in a time of need, and help them find their way?
I share all this learning with you, because as a family, we can feel the call. God is calling us to do something, we are listening for his direction. A day in the future we may need to ask for your support, and I want you all to understand more if that day comes.
Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..”
Mark 13:10 – “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.”
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the nations and their kings and to the people of Israel.