Parents Problem

die2live said:

What do you do when you are absolutley sure about something, but your parents are dead-set against it? I feel very strongly that God is calling me to do something, but my parents, who I have looked up to and whose spiritual advice I have often times relied on, are completly opposed to it.
So I'm confused.

Click to expand...

I feel that the very best thing is to pray to God about it? If you feel that you should than do if you feel you should't go with your you spirit than you heart than you mind.

bliz said:

I find it very hard to believe that a male missionary would be recruiting an 18 year old girl if things were really all above board.

Click to expand...

My thought exactly Bliz! You and some others have posted some very important issues & considerations for Die2live .
**********************************************************
The following is a bit long - bare with me - and please understand I am not posting this in a mean spirit - I am trying to jolt you into thinking more openly about this recruiter whose church you don't even know the name of!

Die2live - please reread the posts -But please take your blinders off before you do! I am not trying to be or sound mean - like an earlier poster said - I tend to be blunt and to the point. After 30+ yrs. being in ministry with my DH and being aquainted with many missionaries - your recruiter sounds like nothing more than a wolf in sheeps clothing using the internet to prey on young innocent victims whom he can devour. Satan speaks just as real as our Lord does & he can be very convincing. May I ask you a few more questions?
What is your definition of missions and in that sense - what is your defition of being a missionary?
What have you already done in the sense of missions? The mission field is wherever you are at the moment - not just some foreign land - not just India.
There are people everywhere that you pass every day that need a missionary - someone to tell the GOOD NEWS to them. How many people have you personally witnessed to, lead to the Lord, or played a part in leading to the Lord?
You say your job will be to feed the children - how many soup kitchens have you volunteered in - how about Vacation Bible School - how about helping teach children in Sunday School - my point is just exactly what have you been doing already to fulfill God's call in your life to do mission work? You don't have to wait - God told Peter & Paul to be fishers of men. They immediately began their mission work. I sense that you are very genuine in feeling your call - but I and others hope you will not ignore the wisdom of your parents -after all I am presuming they love you very much and only are concerned, as many of us are, that this recruiter seems to exist only in the internet world. If he is on the up & up - why not post a site where we can check his ministry out too - if he's all about missions he must be interested in recruiting many missionaries not just innocent inexperienced 18 yr. old girls.
**********************************************************
I think some of you posters are around my age & probably remember the "Jim Jones" missionary stories of the past - this is where my mind keeps leaping back to - the "recruiter" seems to be offering this young lady a pie in the sky version of missions I am afraid.

Ms.Garnet said:

My thought exactly Bliz! You and some others have posted some very important issues & considerations for Die2live .
**********************************************************
The following is a bit long - bare with me - and please understand I am not posting this in a mean spirit - I am trying to jolt you into thinking more openly about this recruiter whose church you don't even know the name of!

Die2live - please reread the posts -But please take your blinders off before you do! I am not trying to be or sound mean - like an earlier poster said - I tend to be blunt and to the point. After 30+ yrs. being in ministry with my DH and being aquainted with many missionaries - your recruiter sounds like nothing more than a wolf in sheeps clothing using the internet to prey on young innocent victims whom he can devour. Satan speaks just as real as our Lord does & he can be very convincing. May I ask you a few more questions?
What is your definition of missions and in that sense - what is your defition of being a missionary?
What have you already done in the sense of missions? The mission field is wherever you are at the moment - not just some foreign land - not just India.
There are people everywhere that you pass every day that need a missionary - someone to tell the GOOD NEWS to them. How many people have you personally witnessed to, lead to the Lord, or played a part in leading to the Lord?
You say your job will be to feed the children - how many soup kitchens have you volunteered in - how about Vacation Bible School - how about helping teach children in Sunday School - my point is just exactly what have you been doing already to fulfill God's call in your life to do mission work? You don't have to wait - God told Peter & Paul to be fishers of men. They immediately began their mission work. I sense that you are very genuine in feeling your call - but I and others hope you will not ignore the wisdom of your parents -after all I am presuming they love you very much and only are concerned, as many of us are, that this recruiter seems to exist only in the internet world. If he is on the up & up - why not post a site where we can check his ministry out too - if he's all about missions he must be interested in recruiting many missionaries not just innocent inexperienced 18 yr. old girls.
**********************************************************
I think some of you posters are around my age & probably remember the "Jim Jones" missionary stories of the past - this is where my mind keeps leaping back to - the "recruiter" seems to be offering this young lady a pie in the sky version of missions I am afraid.

Click to expand...

yes exactly , i too would like to learn about this .

Die2live -

What communication has this guy had with your parents? If he is above board, it would be quite appropriate for him to want to talk with your parents and help them set aside their concerns so they can be fully supportive of you. Just as he has e-mailed you, he can e-mail them. Why don't you help them connect?

greeneyedme said:

yes, it completely depends on what you believe God wants you to do.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I dissagree. We are taught to honor our parents. How do we do that? Listen to them. Sorry to dissapoint you.

In Him, Eric

monkeystink said:

Sorry, I dissagree. We are taught to honor our parents. How do we do that? Listen to them. Sorry to dissapoint you.

In Him, Eric

Click to expand...

I strongly agree. You might be a spiritually mature individual, but your parents have the advantage of years to become wise. If you pray for the situation and if it is God's will that you do this, then it will happen. But right now you need to listen and accept your parents counsel.
God Bless You.

Lisa0315 said:

I suggest a compromise. You should go to college, majoring in a useful skill such as medicine, teaching, or languages. Then, through your college or your church, use your summers to go on mission trips with a well organized and well reputed mission organization. I do not blame your parents a bit for being upset with this idea. It is one thing to be called to the mission field, but this cannot be the will of God for you if it requires disobedience to your parents in order to do it. God does not say one thing and then ask you to do another.

Click to expand...

Awesome advice!

bliz said:

If this is God's will, why are you unwilling to share his name with us? Or the name of his ministry? Or who has already come on board with funding? Has he approached others for funding?

No disrespect to you, but you are not equipped to be a partner in a ministry. You are an 18 year old girl with no education or particular skills. How do you even know if this guy is legit?

Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. A 'just begun' ministry needs well equiped, educated, financially stable (or close to it) sources as much as they need Godly men and women to help out. I think a newcomer should look to more established ministries, or go on some mission trips before committing to a brand new, never heard of ministry in another country. This guy could just as easily be into human trafficing and just trying to make a US contact.

I just had a thought...I noticed that you selected the Salvation Army shield for your character. Have you thought about volunteering at the Salvation Army. I used to know a lady who worked for them, and it is an awesome ministry. This would be great training ground for you while you are getting things settled.

Lisa

die2live said:

That's a good thought, Lisa0315. I'm not sure that I have enough time though. My work schedule isn't exactly stable and on almost every day I'm doing something besides that as well. I usually have one full day off, where I'm not doing anything at all, at least not until around six. Do you know how flexible they are with their volunteer hours? DO they have a website where I could get more information?

Click to expand...

I don't know that much about them. My friend was my daughter's occasional babysitter. She stopped keeping kids and went to work full time at the Salvation Army when my daughter was about 3 or 4. We stayed in touch for quite some time, and I still hear from her occasionally, but we have gone as long as several years in between calls. My daughter is the same age as you. She is off to college in January.

I do know that it is a worthy mission. I am sure that if you called them that they could set up an appointment with you and discuss hours. I have a feeling that they are quite flexible especially if you are a volunteer.

Lisa

die2live said:

How's it going to happen if I don't do it?

Click to expand...

Have faith...God will see to it in time. Some of the best missionaries are educated people (medicine, science, or some other feild that is in need.) Seems we listen best when we are on the reciveing end of kindness. What better way to show kindness than give people what it is that they need.

Sister, please don't think I am asking you to ignore God (Jonah showed us what happens when we do), but I am suggesting that even a superstar of faith (such as yourself) needs to bring something to the table (in addition to your awesome faith.) As an example, if you studied public health, you could help people avoid disease through aseptic practices that you could teach them (in addition to witnessing.) This may help build a rapport with them to open the door to Christ. Also remember that we never know what God's plans are. He may just be calling you for a short time. Than what? Pray about it. I have faith that you will serve God well whatever you do.

Blessings in Christ,
Eric

Have you put your parents in touch with your would-be employer yet?