Feb. 7, 2008 - Long haul
Since we've been back, I've been doing some thinking-re-evaluating last term, setting some goals for this term, etc. I came across something that I had written shortly before we left and it struck me anew. For several years now, we have worked as part of a team that reaches out to Afghan refugees by means of an EFL school. Various people have come and gone over the years, but a core group of teachers has stayed. And they all are single women-some younger like me, others older. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are single women who spend their days in what would be considered "active ministry". I don't. A large portion of my time goes into the schooling, feeding, and cleaning up after my family.
I try to study the Dari language and Farsi when I have time (haven't yet found a teacher since my return), I tutor an Iranian girl 3-4 days a week, and I am trying to have more staff functions (including fun times) at our house. But still I get the feeling once in a while that it's not "good enough". In no way do I mean to imply that anyone on our team puts down what I do at all. It's just that feeling you get when you try to be part of a conversation about the ministry and the vibe comes to you that "you aren't really part of this-after all, what do you spend your days doing?'
I did a study on Keepers At Home shortly before we left for furlough and these are some of the thoughts that I jotted down.
Deacons in the Bibe are not judged on the basis of their outside ministry but rather their homelife. Titus does not tell the young women to go out and do-but rather to stay home with the children and to take care of the kids and their husbands. Children are a mother's primary responsibility . It comes down to whether or not you believe that your children are valuable enough for your time and focus. In the end, a man is judged by his family, not his work. Can you really call ministry a sucess if you lose your family in the process? However, this is not an excuse to hide behind your family. We are all called to share the Gospel. It reminds me of what Jesus said, "The poor will always be with you." The work/ministry isn't going anywwhere. It will still be there after the kids are older and more independent. After all, we weren't called to save the world overnight-we're in it for the long haul.
Comments
Feb. 8, 2008 - I agree
Posted by BevG
Have you read any of Elizabeth George's books? A Woman After God's Own Heart. She has a whole chapter on this topic. And yes, she says take care of your family first. I recommend it if you can get a copy.
Feb. 13, 2008 - Ministry and Family
Posted by Anonymous
I'm a pretty firm believer in Ecclesiastes and there is a time for everything. As women, our lives, I think, are given to us in seasons. Different seasons mean different priorities, and different forms of ministry. Those who have not homeschooled and raised children may not have any concept of the amount of time, resources and strength it takes. I try to remember that I serve each day for my King, and I answer to him first above all else. Be encouraged, and enjoy this season of life. It will be gone quickly, and there will be time for other ministries if the Lord so ordains, but the season we are in now will not come again.
