Missions through the eyes of a husband

I promised mom that I’d write a brief blog post about missions through the eyes of a husband.  Wanted to share it with you. Here’s what I came up with:

 

“You did what” was the most common reaction when I told friends and family that I strongly encouraged my wife to go to Ethiopia on a mission trip.  Reading between the lines, I think the real question they were asking is whether I could handle five kids, two of whom have special needs, for ten days.  Thanks for the vote of confidence everyone J.

 

Truthfully, I knew it would be a challenge for me but I knew it was more important that she go on this trip.  So…why was I so insistent that she go?  I knew she would be greatly impacted by what she saw and experienced.  I understood that she would return with a new perspective - one that would give her the eyes of Jesus to match the heart of Jesus that she already possesses.  I knew she would question her purpose and focus on ensuring that she was aligned with His purpose and plan for her.  I knew she would return with a renewed passion about serving Him well. 

 

What I didn’t expect was the impact her departure would have on me.  I now have a better perspective on all that she does. I better understood how, upon her return, I could better contribute to the day to day activities of managing our household.  Perhaps most importantly, this experience took the relationship with my children to a new level of intimacy.  This was the first opportunity I’ve had to spend 100% of my energy focusing on them for such a long period of time and it was a fantastic experience for me and for our children. 

 

I’m pleased to report that she returned exactly as I anticipated she would.  She is refreshed, renewed, recharged, and ready. Ready to do what He asks of us. Ready to go where He might send us.  Ready to serve however He directs.  I was mindful that she would return with a renewed purpose greater than herself, me, our children, and our family and that she would likely begin to push me out of my own comfort zone. I also know that I needed to be pushed!

 

Men, I strongly encourage you to have an open and honest conversation with your wife about getting involved in missions. Through this experience I was saddened to learn that many women desire to go on a missions trip  but don’t discuss it with their husbands because they fear they won’t receive the support they desire. Men, if she desires to go, SEND HER. Don’t think of reasons to deter her.  Instead, put a plan together with her so that she can go.  Yes, that will come at a financial and emotional cost to you but it’s worth it. Don’t think of it as a challenge, think of it as an opportunity. Trust me when I tell you that it was me that came away with the most blessings from this experience. 

 

Lastly, thank you to all those that helped Kisha get to Ethiopia and to those who helped in her absence. Your contribution to our experience was a tremendous blessing and we are forever grateful for the thoughtful and sacrificial contribution you made toward making this possible.  God bless you!