Different family situations, different challenges

IN 1 CORINTHIANS 7:32–34, Paul writes that for both the unmarried man and woman, they are freer to be “concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how [they] can please the Lord.” He adds, “her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.”

Being a missionary living in a culture different than one’s own has many challenges, and whether you are single or married, or married with children, or grandparents with adult kids and grandkids—each of these realities brings with it additional unique challenges. At the time of this writing, here is a breakdown of our current EMC missions workers’ status:

Single men (widowed) – 2
Single women – 9
Married (no kids) – 1
Married (with dependents) – 17
Married (no longer dependents) – 8
Grandparents – 15

As you can see, the largest demographic is married couples with at least some children still living with them. Interestingly there are 15 couples in our workforce who are grandparents, meaning that they are not close to their grandkids on a regular basis. And finally, notice how there are nine women who are serving in their singleness.

My few years (1992–1996) living and serving in Chihuahua, Mexico as a single young man had numerous advantages, and no doubt some clear challenges as well. I only had to “worry” about my own wellbeing, not that of my wife and children. Therefore, when being caught in the crossfire of a gang shooting one afternoon at a local park, I simply hunkered down for those 15 seconds, and then made my way home after it was done. No harm, no foul.

Being a single also meant that I had a flexible schedule to participate in many different ministries and bible studies and door-to-door evangelism that didn’t affect any personal “family” schedules. I could spend my summers serving at the Bible camp with all my energy focussed on the kids. I was able to devote my body and spirit to the Lord’s work.

However, being a single man meant I also faced regular sexual temptations, living within a very touchy/feely culture, surrounded by beautiful people who could easily spot this “gringo” from miles away. It also meant that I did not have anyone to go home to at the end of each day, which led to a lot of loneliness. And what about the ministry itself—I was not able to hold Bible studies in the homes of my neighbours if only women showed up—which are often the first ones to respond to the gospel.

Currently we have nine single women living and serving in six different countries, with each location having its own set of challenges for them, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. They depend on the Lord for their protection in these areas.

Currently we have nine single women living and serving in six different countries, with each location having its own set of challenges. They depend on the Lord for their protection.

The families need wisdom to parent their children in these situations. The widowers need the Lord’s discernment in their own ministries and purity. Those couples who have adult children or grandchildren certainly miss their families and are torn each day with the reality of their calling which takes them away from their loved ones.

Let’s take our workers to the Lord in prayer, trusting that by God’s grace their daily needs will be met!