As parents there are many moments that take our breath away one I didn't expect was for my teen to tell me she feels God calling her on a mission. This article isn't to convince you to send your child, or tell you not to. Its my journey
Lets back up 16yrs to the moment I first held her it was 12hrs after her birth, scary news was delivered and prayers sent up. I finally get to hold her, arms still little numb from the medications brain a little foggy from morphine.... I saw that beautiful face and my first thought was "My kid is going to change the world". At the time I figured it was a drug induced thought but one that stuck with me. LOL I only mentioned this to my mother in law years after
Fast forward to Super Summer 2018 I get a phone call on day 4 at a time I normally wouldn't and my pulse quickens something must be wrong. She was calling to say hi & telling me about her day along with a group she met called IGo Global. Something about that 5 second sentence stayed with me, I quickly googled them. Sitting back in my work chair I am on verge of tears, why I don't exactly know happiness? Fear? Inability to comprehend? I felt a peace I cannot describe in the same moment.
Next day she comes home my only thought as she climbs off the bus is "My Kid is going on a mission" in the same breath as she descends the final step of the bus is a whisper of my mother in law who passed last year say "You have known this for a while" . The breath I had been holding was exhaled
She applied, She Fundraised and She went to Germany. I knew 10 days would not be enough for her, sure enough she came home, applied again. Next trip? 7 Weeks Destination unknown
My Church provides us with Parenting Teens Magazine by Lifeway the same month we find out she's going this was the topic... LOL God always prepares for us!
While I have no issue sending my child where God calls her I know for some parents this can be scary so I am going to share with you some things I hope bring you peace.
2 Million Americans go on short term mission every year of those 74% of parents say it made a lasting impression on their teen...less materialistic, appreciate other cultures & more understanding. Our primary job is to raise children who know God personally, love him passionately and respond to Him obediently. Our Teens act of serving others reflects what God has done for us in Christ, LOVE. The purest kind of love and that is something we want to support with our whole heart and soul.
God has called your child, take pride in knowing your child has such a relationship with God they herd the call and answered "Send Me". Discouraging teenagers desire to go on a mission steers their Christianity toward mere religious knowledge and empty Sunday ritual. Missions is not a call its a command! Matthew 28:18-20 is Gods Command for us to go out into the world and make disciples of ALL nations. Proverbs 22:6 "Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it"
I know its scary, I cried big ugly tears dropping her off...my momma heart was scared but Lord gave me a peace that even when the tears flowed everything would be ok.
Some people did not agree with us "allowing" her to go, they where openly opposed to it. Told her God didn't give her a brain to make that sort of decision at her age, that God don't speak to children. Said I must not love my child if I am allowing this, I'm sending her to be killed (lets forget that Germany is the 22nd safest county in the world, USA? 138th) yes that all came from Family. Strangers, our Church and Friends supported her more than one family member. Sad.
Here are some things I did in preparing my teen for a trip 5,300 miles from home, hopefully they can help prepare yours too.
1) Pray...Pray for guidance, clarity, ability to hear Him in this decision. For me I personally prayed that if this was His will there would be no road blocks. If She wasn't suppose to go the road block would be so big I couldn't deny it.
2) A job dealing with the public every day, its important for our kids to have a good work ethic but also how to handle a variety of different people. Yes they will see all kinds in their trip, having comparison and ability to keep a cool head is worth its weight in gold. So fast food it is, Chick Fil A to be exact! She has had food thrown at her head, been cussed out, seen intoxicated people, those under the influence of drugs, people with different religious, cultural and political belief's. No the chicken sandwich did not prepare her for everything Frankfurt threw at her it did help her when someone was in her face yelling in a language she didn't understand.
Dealing with coworkers, a boss, schedule, getting ready on her own for the day. Worth every drive I did for pick up and drop off. I also turned the helicopter off (yes I am that mom, that's ok too!) let her handle all the issues that came up by her self, I would not be with her on the trip. (Now if I needed to this momma would be up in that place and making heads roll but so far Momma bear hasn't been needed)
3) Money management! I got some check registers from the bank, gave my kid "bills & Paycheck" and taught them how to manage their money. What you don't want is on day 3 having to send them money. Ps. lets be honest, this is a GREAT life tool as well
4) While I've been working on preparing her Physically my next step is helping her prepare Spiritually. Months earlier I did the Bible Study Seamless by Angie Smith and it was AMAZING! Yes a lot of work but you are soo prepared to answer almost any question about the bible! So Seamless was done
5) My child has been helping on local mission trips before this one with her youth group, working in a local women's shelter, food pantry, and those of our church who needs it. She had been doing this for a few years, If you child has not I encourage it. Let them see locally what it may be like.
6) This step was for me, I had to fully relinquish my fears, thoughts, reservations to the Lord. I would be home when she was afar, I could not protect her...I had to fully bend my knees and lay it at the cross. Faith with out works is dead, so with my hand held to the flame I practiced what I preached. Was it easy? NO! Did I often pick back up what I had just laid down? YES! I Lord knows us too well, He knew how many times I would lay that down....Each time He met me.
This trip isn't just about your child, its about you too. Both of you will grow in faith and person.
7) Sleep as much as you can before they leave, because lets be honest? I watched that plane very second of the 10 hour flight. Time zones are awful, I was good asleep when she was starting her day. Every day that passes will get easier by the end you will be a pro. Oh and pack all toiletries with two pair of clothes in their carry on. LOL that gave me an unreal peace of mind! HAHA
I love my child with a intense fierceness that would make a lion cower, God loves our children so much more than that! If He can call her.....I can send her.
Hoping this helps you!
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