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Would you support this missionary?

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Istherenotacause, Jun 4, 2003.

  1. Istherenotacause

    Istherenotacause New Member

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    Recently a "missionary" came to present his "burden" before the church in an attempt to raise support.

    I know this might seem like a Missionary/Witnessing/ Evangelism topic, but this is a fundamental question:

    At the very beginning of his "presentation" he said how he had talked with his wife about going on a vacation. A missionary to St. Lucia is coming off the field for a year and needed some one to "take over the work" for that year. Suddenly his pastor, who happens to be this "missionary's father, told him he should consider taking this other missionary's place for that year.

    St. Lucia is a tropical island southwest of the Bahamas, that is where the tie-in to the "vacation" comes in. At the announcement of his going, many in his church pledged support, also vowing to go on a "missionary" trip to come and visit in St. Lucia.

    I question whether or not he really has a burden for St.Lucia or is just trying to get away from "things" for awhile, and what better place to do that than a tropical island?

    Our church has not taken him on, even a well known "Missions" evangelist said it was a "sanctified vacation" and not a mission work.

    I know this young man personally and question much of his motives on many,many things. He seems to always have some "alterior" motive, but has the sanction of his pastor, does this over-ride the obvious? I'll add that his business has dwindled down next to nothing and is probably bankrupt, unless his daddy has stepped in again and "rescued" the business for the third time.

    The question: Would you, knowing the facts, even consider this man for missionary support? (Let me add here, he is selling his house and has four very young children, with until the end of this month, June, to raise support and leave for St. Lucia, he started on "deputation" in May. I won't give any more details, but I feel I have given enough to make a rational decision.)

    Is There Not A Cause?

    Brother Ricky
     
  2. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    At someone elses expense no less.
     
  3. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I would be very hesitant in this case (as you described it).

    Don't be so hard or judge motives because someone is going to a "desireable" mission field. Been to that island and hated the heat and humidity. It would be a horrible place to minister for me!

    But as for this particular situation, it doesn't just sound fishy, it smells fishy, too! :rolleyes:
     
  4. Pete

    Pete New Member

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    * Pete strains as hard as he can and tries not to type it...but once again can't resist using a line when it's there...

    "I have a burden for the staff at Disneyland..."

    Sorry :rolleyes:

    Pete
     
  5. Refreshed

    Refreshed Member
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    Bummer.....Mission Field in L.A. :eek: :eek: :eek:
     
  6. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    There could be a legitimate need for this. If this man is not prioritizing and controlling his time properly, he can get burnt out. Christ himself took time apart from the crowds to be refreshed. There are a number of pastors who take study breaks for 6-8 weeks each year to get away from the ministry and to devote it to study for teh next year. Some people's health has been broken down by ministry.

    This person may be lazy and just looking for an easy life. Only those who know his life and character could vouch for that. This may be a chance for a year of spiritual refreshment in a relaxed atmosphere of ministry that is different than our American style of ministry.

    Without knowing this person, I wouldn't be able to say which he is.
     
  7. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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    Here am I, Lord, send me. [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] :cool:
     
  8. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    I don't know this man's motives, so I am not speaking directly to him.

    Every mission trip I have been on, whether a day or two or two weeks--or summer long--has been of God.

    I have never made so much money that I could ever fully support myself by my own income to take these mission trips. I thank God for those who have helped me to take mission trips.
     
  9. Pete

    Pete New Member

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    [​IMG] SheEagle9/11 [​IMG] :D

    Pete
     
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