You’re Lying…

A while ago, a former missionary shared her story in a discussion group. She spoke about what had happened to her and what she had experienced on the mission field. Her experiences were far from positive. It was an intense story, intended as a warning to others. Mission work is not always beautiful, inspiring, or adventurous. Sometimes it is difficult, lonely, and damaging. That is why you need to know very well what you are getting into before taking that step.

The response from one of those present—who was not a missionary herself—was painfully confronting:

“You should not be so negative. I hear from my sister, who works in missions, and from other people’s newsletters that mission work is actually a lot of fun. Please stop being so negative.”

The former missionary walked away in tears. The lack of understanding hit her hard.

You tell your personal story, vulnerably and honestly, and then receive a response like that.

For her, this once again confirmed how little understanding there often is within Christian circles for the reality of mission work. In her view, the attractive appearance still persists. Problems are more readily ignored than faced. People still bury their heads in the sand. As a result, the distance between her and her fellow Christians only grew greater.

It took us weeks of work to get her back on her feet, at least somewhat.