missions and relationships

[jarrol]

has anyone had to juggle a desire for overseas missions and a relationship with a g/f or b/f who though christians don't share the same passion for overseas missions?

it's a bit of a struggle on what to do?

anyone else dealing with it as well? or delt with it in the past?

 

[ElElohe]

Check out www.calebproject.org. The sell a number of brochures (unfortunately they aren't online yet) that deal with such things.

My only other suggestion off the top of my head: Take the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class together! (www.perspectives.org)

has anyone had to juggle a desire for overseas missions and a relationship with a g/f or b/f who though christians don't share the same passion for overseas missions?

it's a bit of a struggle on what to do?

anyone else dealing with it as well? or delt with it in the past?

 

[Kiwi]

If God wants you to go and gives you a call you might have to think seriously about giving up that relationship. When God told me to go to the mission field I was seriously torn, because there was a guy I liked and it looked like things were going to happen between us. But I decided to go and if it was meant to be it would work out. Well I met my husband on the mission field, so the other guy was not meant for me! In fact we will be attending his wedding this year, so I wasn't meant for him either, but we are still good friends.

 

[ZiSunka]

has anyone had to juggle a desire for overseas missions and a relationship with a g/f or b/f who though christians don't share the same passion for overseas missions?

it's a bit of a struggle on what to do?

anyone else dealing with it as well? or delt with it in the past?

Yes, I chose to stay for that special boyfriend because he wasn't called to missions. We broke up, he married someone else, and I neither went to missions nor got married.

Go do God's calling, no matter who goes with you.

Remember that song, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"? Keep these lyrics in mind:

Though no one join me,
still I will follow.
Though no one join me,
still I will follow.
Though no one join me,
still I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.

 

[BlackRain]

it's actually really starting to frustrate me. there are all these great guys, but none of them share my passion for missions. i've had to turn the BEST guys down that i really liked. i guess it's part of following Christ. it's called: SACRIFICE! i'm just starting to realize the cost in following the Lord and yes it's hard but totally worth it! there's a sense of peace that settles in when you do what God wants you to do. so, if you're dating someone who doesn't share your passion i would pray fervently about it and see what God's word says tending to your situation. ha, i keep telling myself that if i just hold on to God and focus on him the right guy will come along...but waiting seems sooo long. oh well...i'm where God wants me.

 

[Crashfreak]

I have been fortunate enough to marry someone with the desire that I have. We are not currently on the mission field, but I was for many years and she has had much experience in it. We are currently waiting on the Lord for the moment when he will ask us to give up everything and follow him to where he wishes to lead us.

As for a relationship that is not yoked, well this is an extremely difficult thing. Firstly I believe that the husband will be the one to go. It is his duty to listen to God and obey God in relation to the family. And being a missionary is very much a family thing. Secondly if you are called and married, God will call you both.....usually the Wife is called first though, and then many months later God will tell the Husband. If you are married and God wants you on the mission field then God will call you both and put the desire in both your hearts. If you are just dating however you really got to ask God if this person is the one that he wants you to be with.

Anyway things aren't always the same, there are always exceptions and people always have different experiences. These have just been mine. So do not listen to closely unless you feel it helps. God will guide you.

 

[JWBZ SVT]

This girl and I care about each other a lot. We aren't dating because we work together and she has been on some mission trips and maybe going on one in the near future. I haven't ever been on one but I would like to try Mexico, church planting, or something. However, our issue right now is that she seems to be fascinated with dangerous areas...for example the mission trip in the near future is to Uganda. Do a google search for Uganda and you'll understand why I'm very concerned and scared! We have gotten frustrated with each other several times over this issue but it's not that I don't want her to go on mission trips. I do admit extremely deep concern and fear of her going to Uganda--ESPECIALLY if she goes to Northern Uganda. This is a SHORT TERM mission trip--about 10 days or so...

 

[JWBZ SVT]

it's actually really starting to frustrate me. there are all these great guys, but none of them share my passion for missions. i've had to turn the BEST guys down that i really liked. i guess it's part of following Christ. it's called: SACRIFICE! i'm just starting to realize the cost in following the Lord and yes it's hard but totally worth it! there's a sense of peace that settles in when you do what God wants you to do. so, if you're dating someone who doesn't share your passion i would pray fervently about it and see what God's word says tending to your situation. ha, i keep telling myself that if i just hold on to God and focus on him the right guy will come along...but waiting seems sooo long. oh well...i'm where God wants me.

Not marrying or dating someone because they don't share your heart for missions would be like them refusing to date you or marry you because you don't like mustangs, or fishing, or underwater bubble blowing or whatever it is. Not very fair or open either way. Sometimes you have to sacrifice for your mate as well...i.e., as Christ sacrificed for the church.

 

[JWBZ SVT]

After leaving work yesterday, I thought about this thread and I think that I may be trying to compare apples to oranges...certainly if you guys are doing long term mission work then I completely agree that you need someone who shares that same interest.

 

[lady_of_god]

wow great posts... I was just thinking about this.

-Lady