Becoming a Missionary With a Family
Embarking on a missionary journey is a life-altering decision when you have a family to consider. In this episode, Ruth Ripken explains the common fears that mothers often encounter when contemplating a life of service on the mission field. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and transformative growth that arise when mothers choose to follow their calling and embrace the missionary life.
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The Fear of Unknown
One of the greatest fears that mothers face when considering missionary service is the fear of the unknown. Moving to a foreign land with a different culture, language, and lifestyle can be daunting. Ruth Ripken shares personal anecdotes from her own missionary experiences and interviews courageous mothers who have successfully overcome their fears. By shedding light on the unknown, she reassures mothers that God is their guiding light and that embracing the unfamiliar can lead to incredible personal growth and meaningful connections.
Balancing Parenting and Ministry
Mothers often worry about how they will balance their responsibilities as parents with the demands of ministry work. Generally, Ruth addresses this concern by offering practical advice on creating a healthy balance. In particular, she highlights the importance of involving children in the missionary journey. Mothers can instill in their children a love for different cultures, while prioritizing family time. By emphasizing the significance of intentional parenting, Ruth demonstrates that serving as a missionary can be an incredible opportunity for children to witness faith in action and develop a heart for global compassion.
Education and Homeschooling
Education is another area of concern for mothers contemplating missionary service. The thought of homeschooling their children or finding suitable educational opportunities in a foreign land can be overwhelming. There are various educational options available, including homeschooling, international schools, and local educational programs. Missionary mothers often share practical tips on curriculum selection, finding support networks, and fostering a love for learning in children while adapting to a new environment.
Financial Insecurity
Many mothers worry about financial instability when considering missionary work. Ruth discusses the importance of relying on God’s provision and building a strong support network. She shares stories of how families have experienced miraculous financial provisions on the mission field and offers guidance on fundraising and developing partnerships with churches and organizations. By emphasizing trust in God’s faithfulness, Ruth encourages mothers to step out in faith, knowing that He will provide for their needs.
Emotional Challenges and Loneliness
The emotional challenges and potential loneliness of missionary life can be intimidating for mothers. Ruth addresses this fear by stressing the significance of building a support network within the missionary community. She shares practical strategies for nurturing friendships, seeking mentorship, and cultivating a healthy emotional well-being. By fostering connections and finding solace in like-minded individuals, mothers can combat feelings of isolation and find comfort and encouragement on their missionary journey.
Make it an Adventure
Ruth Ripken encourages families to adopt a perspective that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and adventure. Families can reframe difficulties as exciting possibilities. Mothers can inspire their families to embrace the unknown and approach each obstacle with resilience and faith. Specifically, encouraging children to ask questions, seek new experiences, and embrace different cultures fosters a deep appreciation for the diversity of God’s creation. By nurturing a spirit of curiosity, mothers can create an environment where their family learns and grows together.
Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes of any adventurous journey, including missionary life. Thus, Ruth highlights the significance of being open to unexpected changes and embracing the adventure of adapting to new circumstances. She provides practical advice on how mothers can model flexibility and resilience for their children, emphasizing that these qualities are not only crucial for thriving on the mission field but also valuable life skills that can be carried forward.
At the heart of making missionary life an adventure is trusting in God’s guidance and provision. Ruth Ripken highlights the importance of cultivating a deep and unwavering faith, both individually and as a family. By praying for their children, missionary mothers can instill in their children a trust in God’s faithfulness. Consequently, mothers can transform challenges into remarkable adventures.
Perfect Peace Casts Out Fear
As mothers explore common fears when deciding to serve on the mission field, Ruth Ripken teaches, “Perfect peace casts out fear.” Mothers may have a fear of the unknown or balancing parenting and ministry. Families may also have educational concerns, financial insecurities, and emotional challenges. Through her wisdom and compassionate insight, she instills hope and confidence in those contemplating missionary service. With God’s guidance, mothers can overcome their fears and embark on a transformative and fulfilling journey of faith.
