Two of the Hardest Parts of Deputation
As you know, we’ve been busy, busy, busy! We’ve been on the road nonstop, been in more churches than I can count, and have covered so many miles back and forth that I’m certain we passed ourselves at some point. But, we’re on a mission, and that mission is to raise our support to get to Wales, and if this is what it takes, then it is what we will do.
That being said, deputation can be deceiving to many people. For those who sit back and simply read Facebook updates, deputation looks like a glorified holiday. We get to travel and see interesting places. But, let me tell you it’s not all fun and games. Deputation is hard work. Of course, most missionaries won’t tell you that in their updates and prayer letters because they feel the need to leave out the negative parts. After all, who wants to hear those, right? But, as you know by now, I am not “most missionaries,” and I’m afraid that if we hide our struggles, we’re only hindering our progress. How can people know how to pray for us if we don’t share our burdens? How can people understand what it takes to raise funds for missions if we don’t tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Deputation can be an exciting time. It’s an opportunity to go into many churches and to make new friends. It opens the door for financial support and prayer support. It certainly teaches us to trust God more and more each day. But, if I may, I’d like to share with you the two things that have been the most difficult for me along our deputation journey.
The first is the loneliness. On the surface, that sounds ridiculous. How can I be lonely when I’m always around new people? In the question, you’ll find the answer. I’m always around “new” people. I miss friends and family. I miss being around people who understand me inside and out. I miss my church and the sense of belonging and acceptance I feel every time I walk through the doors. It’s great meeting new people, but some days, I’d just love to sit down and have a cup of tea with someone I’ve known for longer than a day or two. I’ve never been very social, but these days, I realize the importance of spending time with friends and family, and I miss that.
The second thing that’s the most difficult for me is the waiting. I want to be in Wales so badly my heart literally aches with longing. There is such a great need, and the reports we get from time to time reveal things are only growing worse. I want to be a light in that dark place. I want to tell the people there how much God loves them and wants them to spend eternity with Him. I long to start a new life of missionary work in a country I hope to soon call home.
But deputation is seldom quick. We’ve been at it for two years now, and we’re still less than halfway to our needed support. That’s discouraging, friends! It makes me feel like we’re just spinning our wheels, like the miles of travel and physical toll on our bodies have been for naught. It causes me to despair of ever reaching Wales.
A little over a month ago, we hit a streak where churches were taking us on left and right. In a period of three weeks, our support level rose by 7%. I got so excited and felt like we had finally gained some momentum. At last, our efforts seemed to be paying off, and I let myself believe that the streak would continue. But it didn’t. In fact, it’s like the stream has completely dried up, and for the thousands of miles we’ve traveled over the past month, we’ve not had one church take us on for support. That’s not to say they won’t. We’ll just have to wait and see. Wait! I hate waiting!
I realize that the two difficult things I’ve mentioned here are two components that will be lifelong companions. When I get to Wales, I will be thousands of miles from my family and friends. Loneliness is sure to follow me there. And the mission field in the UK is a difficult one. It takes a lot of time to build relationships and to earn the trust of the people there. The work is slow and will require a lot of patience. In other words, there will be plenty of waiting. Yes, loneliness and waiting won’t likely be going anywhere anytime soon. And that’s why I need your prayers. I need the strength and grace of God to keep going when I’m discouraged and to keep trusting when it seems like it’s all in vain. Friends, will you pray for me?
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”