All week co-workers have been leaving work or staying home because they have contracted the "crud". When I was a boy, my mom used to call it a bug. I've been changing my diet and excercising more in order to build up strength and endurance, but I guesse no one can escape the bug forever (that puts an odd picture in my mind).
Today is also the first time since Sojourn went on hiatus that I have been scheduled to sing anywhere outside my home church. This morning I'm singing at Newberg Norton Bible Church. Just one song and my testimony. Marge and I aren't raising missions support yet, but I wanted to start getting used to going out to churches by myself. There are churches where Sojourn or I am known that I want to go to just to say, hi and share my passion for missions.
Anyway, I'm glad that the acompaniment CD has three keys (high, medium, and low). This crud has busted me down to the medium key.
Adam
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Journey So Far
WHY CAN’T WE ALL JUST BE MISSIONARIES?
On April 1st 2006 we had traveled to Shipshewana, Indiana where I sang at a Gideon’s banquet. Hearing about all the exciting work that the Gideon’s were doing reignited my desire to work in a full time ministry capacity. I didn’t see myself as senior pastor or youth leader, and without the seminary degree what could I really do anyway (or so I thought). We were driving home that night, and talking about these things when Maryellen said, “Why can’t we all just be missionaries?”
That was where it really started. For a month Marge, the kids, and I talked and prayed about it, and wondered if there was some kind of “How To” manual on getting from “Why can’t we all just be missionaries?” to stepping off the plane in some far country.
My brother Kerry suggested that we attend the Missionary Assessment Seminar hosted by the Baptist General Conference (BGC). The point of the conference was to assess potential missionaries for suitability for the field. We started working on the application in May, and it was as extensive as if we had been applying for full time missionary service with BGC.
We also started to look at ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). We had a dinner meeting with their missions “Mobilizer” and were impressed with his nurturing and Spirit lead approach to missions. That said, we wanted to continue with the BGC process and return to consideration of ABWE afterwards.
In the midst of all this, I (Adam) resigned from my role as lead singer in the Christian contemporary band Sojourn (www.sojournband.com). I helped found Sojourn and we were together for nearly 15 years. It was a difficult but friendly parting as we made our final performance in August 2006. Also, we began to communicate regularly with the Bethel missions committee in order to keep them posted on our progress and receive any guidance they might have.
Marge and I attended the four day BGC conference in October. It involved several class and case study sessions as well as Psychological and missions assessment/testing. At the completion of the conference we were given positive feedback. Also, for several months we pursued the possibility of going with the BGC’s mission organization, but that opportunity fell through, and we returned to pursuing ABWE as our mission agency. We had opportunity to enjoy meals with several ABWE missionaries and found them energetic, progressive, and passionately devoted to spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ.
GREETINGS FROM THE WORLD
To date, we have nearly completed the application process with ABWE. Once you get past a certain point in the application process, ABWE sends your application out to regional and country mission coordinators. They look at your “profile” and (I’m assuming) if they think you might be a potential candidate for their field some send you an e-mail greeting. We have received greetings from ABWE missionaries in the Czech Republic, Israel, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, and the Latin America Coordinator. We have not made a decision on a field of service yet, and hadn’t really though of Eastern Europe, but we believe it deserves further research and correspondence.
The exciting thing is that I’ve discovered there is a need for a guy that has business background and experience doing lay ministry. In other words, the church planters could certainly use a helper. That is what I want to be. I get really excited just thinking about it.
GETTING TO CANDIDATE SEMINAR
The final step before Candidate Seminar is the Doctrinal Oral Exam. We need to meet with one of the ABWE representatives to do that. Usually you connect up with them when they are somewhere near where you live. We are hoping to coordinate a time this spring.
Candidate Seminar is the final step to being accepted as an ABWE missionary. It is a 9 day event in which we would be presenting ourselves to leadership at the ABWE home office, attending classes, and meeting with representatives of the various countries and regions in which ABWE serves. At the successful completion of it we will be recognized as ABWE missionaries. We also believe that we will receive valuable counsel from representatives of the regions in which ABWE is at work. We are planning to attend the Candidate Seminar on July 7th through 15.
Please pray that we will be able to discern God’s direction as we consider the various options of countries where we could serve. Also, pray that we will exercise Godly wisdom to make sound financial decisions, and the faith to trust in His timing.
Our hearts (my whole family) are set on missions. It’s been exciting to watch the children take their faith more seriously, and as a family we are spending more time reading the Bible together, and praying. We’ve also learned about how God is at work in countries all over the world, and that there are needs in countries we had never considered. It’s been a wonderful time of growth. There has also been some testing, and struggles. All-in-all, I feel enriched through the process.
On April 1st 2006 we had traveled to Shipshewana, Indiana where I sang at a Gideon’s banquet. Hearing about all the exciting work that the Gideon’s were doing reignited my desire to work in a full time ministry capacity. I didn’t see myself as senior pastor or youth leader, and without the seminary degree what could I really do anyway (or so I thought). We were driving home that night, and talking about these things when Maryellen said, “Why can’t we all just be missionaries?”
That was where it really started. For a month Marge, the kids, and I talked and prayed about it, and wondered if there was some kind of “How To” manual on getting from “Why can’t we all just be missionaries?” to stepping off the plane in some far country.
My brother Kerry suggested that we attend the Missionary Assessment Seminar hosted by the Baptist General Conference (BGC). The point of the conference was to assess potential missionaries for suitability for the field. We started working on the application in May, and it was as extensive as if we had been applying for full time missionary service with BGC.
We also started to look at ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism). We had a dinner meeting with their missions “Mobilizer” and were impressed with his nurturing and Spirit lead approach to missions. That said, we wanted to continue with the BGC process and return to consideration of ABWE afterwards.
In the midst of all this, I (Adam) resigned from my role as lead singer in the Christian contemporary band Sojourn (www.sojournband.com). I helped found Sojourn and we were together for nearly 15 years. It was a difficult but friendly parting as we made our final performance in August 2006. Also, we began to communicate regularly with the Bethel missions committee in order to keep them posted on our progress and receive any guidance they might have.
Marge and I attended the four day BGC conference in October. It involved several class and case study sessions as well as Psychological and missions assessment/testing. At the completion of the conference we were given positive feedback. Also, for several months we pursued the possibility of going with the BGC’s mission organization, but that opportunity fell through, and we returned to pursuing ABWE as our mission agency. We had opportunity to enjoy meals with several ABWE missionaries and found them energetic, progressive, and passionately devoted to spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ.
GREETINGS FROM THE WORLD
To date, we have nearly completed the application process with ABWE. Once you get past a certain point in the application process, ABWE sends your application out to regional and country mission coordinators. They look at your “profile” and (I’m assuming) if they think you might be a potential candidate for their field some send you an e-mail greeting. We have received greetings from ABWE missionaries in the Czech Republic, Israel, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, and the Latin America Coordinator. We have not made a decision on a field of service yet, and hadn’t really though of Eastern Europe, but we believe it deserves further research and correspondence.
The exciting thing is that I’ve discovered there is a need for a guy that has business background and experience doing lay ministry. In other words, the church planters could certainly use a helper. That is what I want to be. I get really excited just thinking about it.
GETTING TO CANDIDATE SEMINAR
The final step before Candidate Seminar is the Doctrinal Oral Exam. We need to meet with one of the ABWE representatives to do that. Usually you connect up with them when they are somewhere near where you live. We are hoping to coordinate a time this spring.
Candidate Seminar is the final step to being accepted as an ABWE missionary. It is a 9 day event in which we would be presenting ourselves to leadership at the ABWE home office, attending classes, and meeting with representatives of the various countries and regions in which ABWE serves. At the successful completion of it we will be recognized as ABWE missionaries. We also believe that we will receive valuable counsel from representatives of the regions in which ABWE is at work. We are planning to attend the Candidate Seminar on July 7th through 15.
Please pray that we will be able to discern God’s direction as we consider the various options of countries where we could serve. Also, pray that we will exercise Godly wisdom to make sound financial decisions, and the faith to trust in His timing.
Our hearts (my whole family) are set on missions. It’s been exciting to watch the children take their faith more seriously, and as a family we are spending more time reading the Bible together, and praying. We’ve also learned about how God is at work in countries all over the world, and that there are needs in countries we had never considered. It’s been a wonderful time of growth. There has also been some testing, and struggles. All-in-all, I feel enriched through the process.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Psalm 139
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me."
For some reason, Psalm 139 is comming alive to me. I'm so aware of my failings and faults, and I was looking at this verse, and it hit me. All my life, there has never been a time when anything about me has been hidden from the Lord. Even in my worst possible moments, and when I was acting least like a Christian, God's love and faithulness was there.
Frankly, God knew me exhaustively before I became a Christian. He knew me so well, that He knew how I would struggle and fail over and over. He is so gentle. He is so kind. The Lord continually guides and sometimes disciplines me in the knowledge of who I was, who I am, and what I will become.
Adam
For some reason, Psalm 139 is comming alive to me. I'm so aware of my failings and faults, and I was looking at this verse, and it hit me. All my life, there has never been a time when anything about me has been hidden from the Lord. Even in my worst possible moments, and when I was acting least like a Christian, God's love and faithulness was there.
Frankly, God knew me exhaustively before I became a Christian. He knew me so well, that He knew how I would struggle and fail over and over. He is so gentle. He is so kind. The Lord continually guides and sometimes disciplines me in the knowledge of who I was, who I am, and what I will become.
Adam
Monday, January 15, 2007
Join Our Journey
I used to wonder, how does somebody get from thinking, "Hmmmm, wouldn't it be cool to be a missionary?" to finishing up their first term and heading back for home assignment.
Well, I'm finding out, and going about it a little clumsily. There are people to guide us, but we still need to stumble our way through. I hope my blog entries are interesting and informative.
If you want to get updates directly to your e-mail please contact me at this link. I'll try to keep them to once per month. More frequent updates will be in the blog.
Adam
Well, I'm finding out, and going about it a little clumsily. There are people to guide us, but we still need to stumble our way through. I hope my blog entries are interesting and informative.
If you want to get updates directly to your e-mail please contact me at this link. I'll try to keep them to once per month. More frequent updates will be in the blog.
Adam
Waiting On God's Timing
Well, Marge and I were racing to be ready for the February Candidate Seminar at ABWE, but just recently have decided to wait until the Candidate Seminar that will be held this July. I'm disappointed, and a little frustrated. Part of the issue was that we really coulnd't afford to do any travel and pay for child care.
It never occured to me to ask for donations for something like that, and there isn't a rule book to tell you what kinds of things are o.k. to do.
At the same time, I have every confidence (and Marge does too), that it is the right choice. Our "Missionary Mobilzer" at ABWE also felt that it might be best. He, Don Trott, was thinking of our children. If we are at the July Candidate Seminar, it won't disrupt the children's schooling. It will also be cheaper for us as we can send the children off to visit family while we are gone. It will also give us time to pay off our credit card debt. I doubt very much that ABWE will appoint us as missionaries with Credit card debt. It also gives us more time to study for our oral doctrinal exam.
It felt like a crash, as I was eager to discover where God would be sending us and the work that He had set aside for us to do. If we had gone to the February Candidate Seminar, would could have started raising support in March. Everything seemed to moving very fast, and I believe God is slowing things down for a reason.
"O Lord, though has searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my though afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways." Paslm 139: 1-3 (King James Translation)
I believe God is sovereign, and that He really does have a plan for us. He knows that we have been delayed, and this was not outside of his control. Rather, I think, that He is working in the circumstances in order to re-shape us, and make us more like Jesus. Being more like Jesus is to my benefit, and also brings God glory and pleasure.
I'm still a little confused. I believe that God has some unique things for us to do, but it's not clear to me right now. It's quite difficult for me to wait and pray. I tend to either do or freeze. God used Paslm 139 to shift my thinking and build my trust.
"Thou compassest my path and my lying down . . ."
A lot of people prefer the newer translations of scripture, but the old translation is what I grew up with and it is that to which my heart returns. It isn't really difficult to understand: The Lord has my path surrounded and surrounds me even when I am asleep. The scripture doesn't even say that I am supposed to ask for God's protection, it is something that He does.
Paslm 139 goes on to talk about God's exhaustive knowledge of me and his everpresent spirit. I am never alone. He never leaves me. Since I know that God is absolutely loving, absolutely wise, and absolutely holy, I know that the Lord will do what is best for me and His glory.
I want God's best. I want to willingly submit to His timing and trust His will.
Thanks for reading about the struggle.
Keep the Parmenter's in your prayers.
Adam
It never occured to me to ask for donations for something like that, and there isn't a rule book to tell you what kinds of things are o.k. to do.
At the same time, I have every confidence (and Marge does too), that it is the right choice. Our "Missionary Mobilzer" at ABWE also felt that it might be best. He, Don Trott, was thinking of our children. If we are at the July Candidate Seminar, it won't disrupt the children's schooling. It will also be cheaper for us as we can send the children off to visit family while we are gone. It will also give us time to pay off our credit card debt. I doubt very much that ABWE will appoint us as missionaries with Credit card debt. It also gives us more time to study for our oral doctrinal exam.
It felt like a crash, as I was eager to discover where God would be sending us and the work that He had set aside for us to do. If we had gone to the February Candidate Seminar, would could have started raising support in March. Everything seemed to moving very fast, and I believe God is slowing things down for a reason.
"O Lord, though has searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my though afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways." Paslm 139: 1-3 (King James Translation)
I believe God is sovereign, and that He really does have a plan for us. He knows that we have been delayed, and this was not outside of his control. Rather, I think, that He is working in the circumstances in order to re-shape us, and make us more like Jesus. Being more like Jesus is to my benefit, and also brings God glory and pleasure.
I'm still a little confused. I believe that God has some unique things for us to do, but it's not clear to me right now. It's quite difficult for me to wait and pray. I tend to either do or freeze. God used Paslm 139 to shift my thinking and build my trust.
"Thou compassest my path and my lying down . . ."
A lot of people prefer the newer translations of scripture, but the old translation is what I grew up with and it is that to which my heart returns. It isn't really difficult to understand: The Lord has my path surrounded and surrounds me even when I am asleep. The scripture doesn't even say that I am supposed to ask for God's protection, it is something that He does.
Paslm 139 goes on to talk about God's exhaustive knowledge of me and his everpresent spirit. I am never alone. He never leaves me. Since I know that God is absolutely loving, absolutely wise, and absolutely holy, I know that the Lord will do what is best for me and His glory.
I want God's best. I want to willingly submit to His timing and trust His will.
Thanks for reading about the struggle.
Keep the Parmenter's in your prayers.
Adam
Monday, January 8, 2007
Gifting
Oh, this post is a little rambling, but spiritual gifts and how you discover God's call . . . that's all on my mind in a big way these days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
So what are spiritual gifts? I've been reading about these lately, and have been considering them. Wiser men then me have written large books about them, but what strikes me most is that they are given to all believers in varying measure in order to serve and build up other believers. The purpose is so that church (i.e. the gathering of believers) may be taught and mentored into being like Jesus.
For me, that states what I want to be as a missionary: I want to be an equipper. I want to use my skills to teach, train, and mentor people into a mature relationship with Christ. A relationship in which those I serve will in-turn mentor, teach, or train. I feel drawn to work with young men and children. I think, I enjoy the openness of children and their sense of wonder.
It's exciting to investigate and discover the treasures hidden in God's Word. They're there for anyone with the time and willingness to dig for them. For example, the first chapter in Genesis is a vast treasure trove of wonder. I've made several presentations on the wonder and vast artistry of God's creative power. Using Microsoft PowerPoint and pictures drawn from the internet, you can expose people to that very wonder buried in the text of Genesis chapter 1. Frankly, I've only scratched the surface. Romans 1:20 says that God's invisible attributes can be perceived from what He has made. It's like an art historian telling you about what a certain painter was like by looking at the paintings. So, I had a PowerPoint slide show that took a glimpse at the vastness of outer space to the minutia of sub-atomic particles called quarks. In both those macro and micro scales there is an orderliness and system to all things that betrays the hand of a maker. There is no evidence of random chance in the created order of things. There is also an indication of God fierceness in the roaring rage of the lion or black bear. There is also an indication of God's tenderness in the gentle warmth of a kitten and the trust of an infant.
I could go on and on, but these sorts of visual tours of creation fascinate and awe me as they introduce me to the God who both gave his life for sinners in Jesus Christ and indwells all who believe in God's Holy Spirit. The God who made the universe is the same God who raised Jesus from the dead. The same God whose Spirit dwells in all believers.
Anyway, I've gotten distracted.
I want to spend my days introducing people to the fullest wonder of my Lord Jesus: God and Lord, Savior, and King. I'm not sure what that gift is, but I'm eager to use it more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
So what are spiritual gifts? I've been reading about these lately, and have been considering them. Wiser men then me have written large books about them, but what strikes me most is that they are given to all believers in varying measure in order to serve and build up other believers. The purpose is so that church (i.e. the gathering of believers) may be taught and mentored into being like Jesus.
For me, that states what I want to be as a missionary: I want to be an equipper. I want to use my skills to teach, train, and mentor people into a mature relationship with Christ. A relationship in which those I serve will in-turn mentor, teach, or train. I feel drawn to work with young men and children. I think, I enjoy the openness of children and their sense of wonder.
It's exciting to investigate and discover the treasures hidden in God's Word. They're there for anyone with the time and willingness to dig for them. For example, the first chapter in Genesis is a vast treasure trove of wonder. I've made several presentations on the wonder and vast artistry of God's creative power. Using Microsoft PowerPoint and pictures drawn from the internet, you can expose people to that very wonder buried in the text of Genesis chapter 1. Frankly, I've only scratched the surface. Romans 1:20 says that God's invisible attributes can be perceived from what He has made. It's like an art historian telling you about what a certain painter was like by looking at the paintings. So, I had a PowerPoint slide show that took a glimpse at the vastness of outer space to the minutia of sub-atomic particles called quarks. In both those macro and micro scales there is an orderliness and system to all things that betrays the hand of a maker. There is no evidence of random chance in the created order of things. There is also an indication of God fierceness in the roaring rage of the lion or black bear. There is also an indication of God's tenderness in the gentle warmth of a kitten and the trust of an infant.
I could go on and on, but these sorts of visual tours of creation fascinate and awe me as they introduce me to the God who both gave his life for sinners in Jesus Christ and indwells all who believe in God's Holy Spirit. The God who made the universe is the same God who raised Jesus from the dead. The same God whose Spirit dwells in all believers.
Anyway, I've gotten distracted.
I want to spend my days introducing people to the fullest wonder of my Lord Jesus: God and Lord, Savior, and King. I'm not sure what that gift is, but I'm eager to use it more.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Support Your Local Missionary
Still thinking about how I support missionaries and what I'll expect out of people to whom I go for support. I think that there are levels of support:
As ignorant as I know I am right now, I wouldn't be a true Parmenter if I didn't already have my own ideas.
Kitchen Magnet Brigade (Awareness Support):
It is always good to have an opportunity to share what's important with the community around you. So, some of our supporters may simply be the kitchen magnet brigade, and that's cool. I remember as a musician if some one said, "I've heard Sojourn before, their nice," that felt good. They might not even own a CD, but they were voicing a level of support. Even a small show of support is an encouragement, and God has equipped different people for different roles. I would expect that these people would like to hear from us a number of times per year, and will interested to hear of our progress whenever we are in the states.
Prayer Guard:
I'm just making up these names myself. I'm thinking of people that will pray for you sometimes, but don't feel compelled to make it a daily discipline. However, like guards, they are right there when there is a big problem or a major concern. They might like to hear from us at least once a month, and especially when we have a major prayer concern.
Prayer Partners: These are the people that commit to praying for you at least four times a week if not daily. If you have something to report each week, then they are the ones that get that communication.
There's also a launch team. A small group of people that are willing to help you with the nuts and bolts of scheduling visits and raising support. I didn't make up that one. Another missionary family did that. There were about six people that assisted them in the work of raising support.
I know the money part is important too, but it seems to me that the work of raising support is mostly about prayer. Also if I have an opportunity to encourage people to go into missions or get others excited about missions, I'll do that before I ask for cash. If nothing else, I don't want that to be central to my activities.
I've heard other successful missionaries say pretty much the same thing. I think it was Hudson Taylor that said, "God's work shall never lack God's supply." I would like to test that saying, and truly engage in faith missions.
I know that I'm ignorant and naive, and I look forward to gaining greater knowledge and a deeper God given wisdom.
Adam
As ignorant as I know I am right now, I wouldn't be a true Parmenter if I didn't already have my own ideas.
Kitchen Magnet Brigade (Awareness Support):
It is always good to have an opportunity to share what's important with the community around you. So, some of our supporters may simply be the kitchen magnet brigade, and that's cool. I remember as a musician if some one said, "I've heard Sojourn before, their nice," that felt good. They might not even own a CD, but they were voicing a level of support. Even a small show of support is an encouragement, and God has equipped different people for different roles. I would expect that these people would like to hear from us a number of times per year, and will interested to hear of our progress whenever we are in the states.
Prayer Guard:
I'm just making up these names myself. I'm thinking of people that will pray for you sometimes, but don't feel compelled to make it a daily discipline. However, like guards, they are right there when there is a big problem or a major concern. They might like to hear from us at least once a month, and especially when we have a major prayer concern.
Prayer Partners: These are the people that commit to praying for you at least four times a week if not daily. If you have something to report each week, then they are the ones that get that communication.
There's also a launch team. A small group of people that are willing to help you with the nuts and bolts of scheduling visits and raising support. I didn't make up that one. Another missionary family did that. There were about six people that assisted them in the work of raising support.
I know the money part is important too, but it seems to me that the work of raising support is mostly about prayer. Also if I have an opportunity to encourage people to go into missions or get others excited about missions, I'll do that before I ask for cash. If nothing else, I don't want that to be central to my activities.
I've heard other successful missionaries say pretty much the same thing. I think it was Hudson Taylor that said, "God's work shall never lack God's supply." I would like to test that saying, and truly engage in faith missions.
I know that I'm ignorant and naive, and I look forward to gaining greater knowledge and a deeper God given wisdom.
Adam
Saturday, January 6, 2007
References and Reactions
References and Reactions
It's funny how some of the people reacted to being asked to provide a personal reference to ABWE on Marge, myself or both. I felt honored that a brother-in-law of mine wanted to talk to me first and then give it some prayer. He wanted what he had to say to be "spirit lead". It humbled and honored me that he took it so seriously. Others were really excited to be part of us going to the mission field and couldn't wait to find out where we finally decided to go. For me there are a couple people who were willing to do the reference, but made it clear that they didn't understand why I would want to do such a thing.
Speaking of reactions, it has been curious the variety of reactions that I get. Frankly, I see myself as just an average guy. Really. I think that I'm fairly bright in some respects, but far from brilliant or monumental in any way. I will say that there are times recently when I've said or sung something as an act of humble service to God and it has come out as profound and moving. I credit that entirely to God's work. Even as a singer I am average. I am good at singing and song writing, but I am in no way great. I'm not using some kind of false modesty. Compared to singers or song writers in the business, the great ones stand far above me.
So, you can imagine that the fact that ABWE (or BGC for that matter) encouraged us in our pursuit of missions was a surprise. I kept expecting some one at some point to make us put on the breaks and say, "Why don't you just stay here in the states and support missions." That hasn't happened. Quite the contrary with ABWE, I have been looking at some of their various works and there are a number of opportunities for some one such as myself.
So, for me it is an honor and a privilege to be considered for service as a missionary. It is a natural extension of my relationship with Jesus Christ and how it is growing. Also, it is a response for my desire to have more time to do church stuff. I want to spend time mentoring and teaching people. That's my reaction to this whole journey to missions: surprise and gratitude.
There are some at work that are in "awe", so to speak, that I would even attempt such a thing. There is one that looks at me as sort of some kind of hero of the Christian faith. That always throws me to hear that kind of response. I think any Christian who has even a little desire to serve could turn the skills God has given them toward missionary service.
We have some friends and acquaintances that have told us, when you start raising support, come talk to us. We want to support you financially. That is humbling as well. For any missionary candidate it is important that they build a support team around them, but understanding what that is has taken a great deal of thought on my part.
I have to confess, that for me, my level of "support" to many missionaries has been their prayer picture card is stuck to my refrigerator by a magnet. Is that how those of us at "home" participate in the work of a missionary?
Our parents are cautiously supportive. For both sets of parents it makes them a little nervous to see their children and grand children flinging themselves into the unknown. This process all started in April, and at the very earliest we will be on the mission field in early 2008. I'm hoping that gives enough times for all of our friends and loved ones to get used to the idea, and for us to communicate a sense of why we are going and how they can help.
Adam
It's funny how some of the people reacted to being asked to provide a personal reference to ABWE on Marge, myself or both. I felt honored that a brother-in-law of mine wanted to talk to me first and then give it some prayer. He wanted what he had to say to be "spirit lead". It humbled and honored me that he took it so seriously. Others were really excited to be part of us going to the mission field and couldn't wait to find out where we finally decided to go. For me there are a couple people who were willing to do the reference, but made it clear that they didn't understand why I would want to do such a thing.
Speaking of reactions, it has been curious the variety of reactions that I get. Frankly, I see myself as just an average guy. Really. I think that I'm fairly bright in some respects, but far from brilliant or monumental in any way. I will say that there are times recently when I've said or sung something as an act of humble service to God and it has come out as profound and moving. I credit that entirely to God's work. Even as a singer I am average. I am good at singing and song writing, but I am in no way great. I'm not using some kind of false modesty. Compared to singers or song writers in the business, the great ones stand far above me.
So, you can imagine that the fact that ABWE (or BGC for that matter) encouraged us in our pursuit of missions was a surprise. I kept expecting some one at some point to make us put on the breaks and say, "Why don't you just stay here in the states and support missions." That hasn't happened. Quite the contrary with ABWE, I have been looking at some of their various works and there are a number of opportunities for some one such as myself.
So, for me it is an honor and a privilege to be considered for service as a missionary. It is a natural extension of my relationship with Jesus Christ and how it is growing. Also, it is a response for my desire to have more time to do church stuff. I want to spend time mentoring and teaching people. That's my reaction to this whole journey to missions: surprise and gratitude.
There are some at work that are in "awe", so to speak, that I would even attempt such a thing. There is one that looks at me as sort of some kind of hero of the Christian faith. That always throws me to hear that kind of response. I think any Christian who has even a little desire to serve could turn the skills God has given them toward missionary service.
We have some friends and acquaintances that have told us, when you start raising support, come talk to us. We want to support you financially. That is humbling as well. For any missionary candidate it is important that they build a support team around them, but understanding what that is has taken a great deal of thought on my part.
I have to confess, that for me, my level of "support" to many missionaries has been their prayer picture card is stuck to my refrigerator by a magnet. Is that how those of us at "home" participate in the work of a missionary?
Our parents are cautiously supportive. For both sets of parents it makes them a little nervous to see their children and grand children flinging themselves into the unknown. This process all started in April, and at the very earliest we will be on the mission field in early 2008. I'm hoping that gives enough times for all of our friends and loved ones to get used to the idea, and for us to communicate a sense of why we are going and how they can help.
Adam
Thursday, January 4, 2007
ABWE Application
I feel like I'm getting pealed open again, but this time it's different. When Marge and I applied for the BGC Missions Assessment Conference, I felt like we were getting pealed open like a can of beans. It was a little unnerving.
As we are making application with ABWE it feels different. One reason it feels different is that I have done something like it already. I've kept making a point that the BGC event wasn't strictly for the purposes of screening BGC missionary candidates. That said, it was very much that.
Going into it Marge and I understood that they might very likely have an opening for us to consider. At the conference itself, however, of the five couple there, only one couple was specifically planning on pursuing a BGC missionary position.
Looking back on the Missionary Assessment Conference, it was three days well spent, but I still feel disappointment at the outcome. I'm not sure why. Perhaps a certain amount of embarrassment that they offered us a short term position and then the team in the field said that they didn't want us. Frustration that they so far have had nothing more to offer.
It's hard when the assessors at the conference confirmed, "You are clearly called to missions", and so enthusiastically told us we would be perfect for a certain position, then that position fell through and the process stopped. I wish they would have said that they weren't sure what to do with us right away.
So, in a way, were approved as candidates for BGC with no position to which to go. They did throw out some other ideas, but nothing fit.
In contrast, ABWE has such a broad spectrum of positions and countries that they are working with us to seek out God's will. That has been refreshing. They have a nurturing quality in their interactions. So we are nearly complete in the application process for ABWE.
Some of the application information has been similar to what we completed for BGC. The nice thing is that all the forms are web forms that you "submit" online. So, I have a little web site that I log into to complete forms or check my progress. At the initial stage there is a preliminary application. If the prelim app hasn't been accepted by ABWE then the links for all the application stuff on the page don't work. Once the prelim app is accepted, then the long form application unlocks as do some other links.
The long form application asks about family, job, and church history. You also provide health history, and answer questions about major influences in your life. They ask you to provide at least 17 names for references. If you provide them with an e-mail address for a person then that person gets a web link via e-mail and the reference form is completed online.
Another part of the application process is reading a text book on missions, a book on the history of ABWE, watching a DVD on ABWE, listening to a tape on conflict resolution and using a discipleship book with a new believer. I haven't done the discipleship book with the new believer yet. I don't really know any new believers.
Probably the most unnerving part is the doctrinal exams. The first one is a multiple choice point and click 100+ question exam that you take online. Later we will be an oral examination before the ABWE Missions Moblizer. He is coming to Michigan to meet with us and others who are applying to be sent to missions by ABWE. They require your pastor to be present. I was told that during the oral exam they not only expect me to tell them what I believe, but have an idea of the general area in which a verse supporting my belief is found. Such as my saying Jesus and God are one is taught in the first chapter of the Gospel of John.
Needless to say, Marge and I are studying vigorously.
Also had to have some extra medical tests for stuff I would never have considered. I've never had a reason to get an aids test, and was a little embarrassed to get one.
We are nearly complete with the application process. The Missions Mobilizer, Don Trott, said that it can take three months to complete the application process or a matter of weeks. Other than a few things Marge and I will have completed it in about six weeks.
I believe that we are on track for the Candidate Seminar in February. That is the final step before being "recognized" as a missionary by ABWE. Pray for Marge and I. We want to move in God's timing. If it's His timing, then all the pieces will be in place for us to attend the Candidate seminar. Pray that God will help us make good financial decisions, and that we will grow in our faith and relationship with Christ.
Adam
As we are making application with ABWE it feels different. One reason it feels different is that I have done something like it already. I've kept making a point that the BGC event wasn't strictly for the purposes of screening BGC missionary candidates. That said, it was very much that.
Going into it Marge and I understood that they might very likely have an opening for us to consider. At the conference itself, however, of the five couple there, only one couple was specifically planning on pursuing a BGC missionary position.
Looking back on the Missionary Assessment Conference, it was three days well spent, but I still feel disappointment at the outcome. I'm not sure why. Perhaps a certain amount of embarrassment that they offered us a short term position and then the team in the field said that they didn't want us. Frustration that they so far have had nothing more to offer.
It's hard when the assessors at the conference confirmed, "You are clearly called to missions", and so enthusiastically told us we would be perfect for a certain position, then that position fell through and the process stopped. I wish they would have said that they weren't sure what to do with us right away.
So, in a way, were approved as candidates for BGC with no position to which to go. They did throw out some other ideas, but nothing fit.
In contrast, ABWE has such a broad spectrum of positions and countries that they are working with us to seek out God's will. That has been refreshing. They have a nurturing quality in their interactions. So we are nearly complete in the application process for ABWE.
Some of the application information has been similar to what we completed for BGC. The nice thing is that all the forms are web forms that you "submit" online. So, I have a little web site that I log into to complete forms or check my progress. At the initial stage there is a preliminary application. If the prelim app hasn't been accepted by ABWE then the links for all the application stuff on the page don't work. Once the prelim app is accepted, then the long form application unlocks as do some other links.
The long form application asks about family, job, and church history. You also provide health history, and answer questions about major influences in your life. They ask you to provide at least 17 names for references. If you provide them with an e-mail address for a person then that person gets a web link via e-mail and the reference form is completed online.
Another part of the application process is reading a text book on missions, a book on the history of ABWE, watching a DVD on ABWE, listening to a tape on conflict resolution and using a discipleship book with a new believer. I haven't done the discipleship book with the new believer yet. I don't really know any new believers.
Probably the most unnerving part is the doctrinal exams. The first one is a multiple choice point and click 100+ question exam that you take online. Later we will be an oral examination before the ABWE Missions Moblizer. He is coming to Michigan to meet with us and others who are applying to be sent to missions by ABWE. They require your pastor to be present. I was told that during the oral exam they not only expect me to tell them what I believe, but have an idea of the general area in which a verse supporting my belief is found. Such as my saying Jesus and God are one is taught in the first chapter of the Gospel of John.
Needless to say, Marge and I are studying vigorously.
Also had to have some extra medical tests for stuff I would never have considered. I've never had a reason to get an aids test, and was a little embarrassed to get one.
We are nearly complete with the application process. The Missions Mobilizer, Don Trott, said that it can take three months to complete the application process or a matter of weeks. Other than a few things Marge and I will have completed it in about six weeks.
I believe that we are on track for the Candidate Seminar in February. That is the final step before being "recognized" as a missionary by ABWE. Pray for Marge and I. We want to move in God's timing. If it's His timing, then all the pieces will be in place for us to attend the Candidate seminar. Pray that God will help us make good financial decisions, and that we will grow in our faith and relationship with Christ.
Adam
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