I'm going to make a video together with Ray about life in YWAM soon. But I just thought, why not talk a little bit about it here?
What makes us missionaries? Do we have to be with the poorest of the poorest and change their minds? Do we have to live in a mud house and wear the same beat-up clothes every day? Are we reading the bible and preaching nonstop?
Well, probably nothing wrong with that and I am sure there are missionaries living this life because they feel that God has called them to this.
But here is the reality: Most missionaries I know, live in the city in "normal" houses with a pretty normal-looking lives. And their "normal" job is to be a missionary.
Ray can explain better, what a missionary is:
Ray, what is a missionary?
Somebody with a mission. Duh!
Seriously though, someone that is called to "Go."
But... where do they go? Africa? Asia?
The word "Go" implies a change in location. So, anywhere but home.
So, I can just go out of my door and be in the mission field?
Well, technically yes.
Do missionaries try to change people?
It is God's job to change people, not the missionary. Missionaries introduce people to God's Nature and Character. But they can be a Kingdom influence on people and society.
What is a Kingdom influence?
Loving God, loving People like loving yourself.
The Bible says that God's commands for us are so that "it will go well for us." So yes, we can model and encourage righteous living and share how it can make one's life better by living in God's ways (not prosperity gospel and not a guarantee). However, it is the Holy Spirit's job to change people.
Do missionaries live like poor people?
Some do, some don't.
Missionaries don't tend to have a lot of money but that doesn't mean we have to have a poverty mindset.
Ok, cool. Thank you.
Ray and I are still in the process of starting the things we want to do. I am still a full-time mom and that won't change anytime soon because that is what I want for our son. He turned one a couple of days ago.
Ray is now actively in the planning phase for the school he will lead in the Spring.
We feel much more integrated into the community at the base, and it feels like family.
I had an interview at the mega-church, which I talked about last time. They have groups for pregnant women and are looking for mentors. I am going to volunteer as a mentor for one of the mothers.
I also discovered our son is a huge door opener for connecting with people. He loves people so much, that he says "hi" to everyone (pretty much his 1st and only word). At the playground, he walks up to both kids and adults, and everyone just likes him a lot. Because of this, I get into conversations with people. That is a little out of my comfort zone, but I am starting to enjoy it. It is such a great chance to connect with people.
Our housing situation is taking us to our limits, to be honest. We love the house. We love the people. But we really feel like we need our own space. A room for Nolan to nap without us having to walk in or having the whole group talking loud in the house. A kitchen only for us. A living room only for us (so I don't have to pump milk next to the sleeping baby and wake him up - since we are being honest here).
You know, I guess you get what I am talking about.
We don't get enough support yet to make that happen. We are really grateful though for every dollar of support we are getting. Thank you so much!
Please keep us in your prayers. And let us know how we can pray for you.
If you want to support us, you can do that here: Fund Donation (ywamtyler.org)
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