I've been wanting to blog about the mission conference from a few weekends ago but I have such a nervous feeling when I think about it. I know it's wrong. I just need to give it to the Lord.
In 2009 at Westview Alliance Church during our mission conference Abigail told me she wanted to be a missionary when she grew up. Although I was VERY happy that she would be willing to give herself for the Lord, I was a little sad inside thinking that one day she'd be far away from me for years at a time. I decided not to push the idea of her being a missionary but also not discourage the idea because Abigail is VERY swayed by what I say. I thought it best to not mention it at all.
A few weeks ago we had a mission conference at Maranatha Baptist. We almost didn't go to the Saturday night service because it was raining & cold, Mike was in Mount Vernon at Sonfest, I wore my pjs all day and didn't feel like getting cleaned up, etc. Lots of excuses. Abigail was really upset and wanted to go. She said she loved listening to the missionary stories and she was going to be a missionary. How could I say no to her? We ended up getting ready and went that night. I looked at Abigail occasionally just to see if she was paying attention. She was. Bible, notebook, & pen in hand.
A few days ago Abigail found me in the bathroom getting ready to go somewhere. She said, "Hey Mom, you know those people at Wedgewood Apartments that wear the clothes with things on their heads? Do you know what religion they are?" I told her I thought they were Muslim. She said, "Maybe I should be a missionary in a country where there are a lot of Muslims because maybe they haven't heard about Jesus."
5 comments:
WOW!! I have goosebumps! I certainly can imagine your fear however, what an incredible blessing to have your child really listening and sensitive to the Lord's calling on her life! WOW! WOW! WOW! Sooooo amazing! I will be praying for all of you!
If it is any comfort to you, I'll share a little story about myself. I decided in children's church in 2nd grade when I first heard stories of John Wesley traveling and preaching that I wanted to be a missionary. By 6th grade, my plan had grown, and I wanted to be a medical missionary. Me, a doctor? Hahahahaha! :) My freshman year of high school, I figured out quickly that medicine was not for me (oh how I hated cutting up that frog...and the fact that I tried so hard and still only got Bs in that class!). I don't remember when I decided I didn't want to be a missionary, but it passed. My desire to serve the Lord did NOT pass, however. Abigail MAY have sensed an early call from the Lord, but it may simply be that the Lord is asking her to serve him for life wherever she is and doing whatever He calls her to do, and, as a child, a missionary sounds rather exotic too. She is very mature to recognize that He has a calling on her life! You are being a VERY wise mother to pray about it and not coach her in either direction. I would struggle with that as well. I don't want my babies to move far away! I'll pray for you Amy and for Abigail. She's such a sweetheart!
There are lots of Muslims here in the United States. Maybe God will call her to start, or be involved in, a ministry in the USA. You never know. :)
Amy Mathias
Praying that the Lord will replace your fear and sadness with His Spirit of Joy and Excitement as you watch Abigail surrender to the call of the Lord upon her heart, NO MATTER what that involves.
III John 4
Thank you, Anonymous. I have been praying hard and have already felt a major peace and comfort in my heart. On Monday at the pediatrician when they asked Abigail what she wanted to be when she grew up and she said Missionary I didn't even flinch. I felt sort of excited. :) Keep the prayers coming! God is good. :)
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