Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Letters from Home

Posted on By jennifer

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday again today.  Writing for five minutes – unedited and, largely, rehearsed. (I do have to collect my thoughts!)  It’s a challenge but it’s fun, and the prompt for today is: Comfort.

GO

As I read my devotions this morning, there it is was…comfort.  Ephesians 6:22 – Paul promised to send his beloved brother and co-laborer to the church gathered in Ephesus that “he might comfort” their hearts. Comfort:  to strengthen the mind; to give vigor to the spirit; to cheer.”  Paul, even in his distress and deep trial, wanted to comfort those he cared for so deeply and that loved him as well.

There are so many ways we can come alongside and be a comforter to others.  Definitely longer than a five-minute post but one way, in particular, stands out to me this morning – keeping in touch with missionaries on the field.  Emails, real letters, care packages and even texts….that simple connection from home….all do so much to emotionally encourage, mentally strengthen, to refresh and to cheer. To comfort.

TIME’S UP  (so soon???)  Let me wrap this up:

Last year, while discussing ways to support foreign missionaries, a missions director, who oversees hundreds of full-time missionaries, told me the number one reason for missionaries leaving the field, other than for health reasons, is the discouragement of the wife.  It’s hard.  It’s lonely.  It can be emotionally and spiritually depleting.  I suppose, unless you’ve actually been on the field, it is impossible to appreciate all that a missionary wife experiences.  Having someone become a Tychicus could make just the difference a discouraged wife needs.

Ephesians 6: 21-22  “But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:  Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.” 


What a privilege it would be to be a comforter – an encourager –  to someone on the mission field! Some thoughts:

* Keep in touch and up to date with what is going on – in her home and in the ministry.  When you write, you can talk specifically about family celebrations, events happening in the ministry and even struggles taking place.  Asking something like “How was the VBS?  Was Johnny’s friend from school able to come?”  connects much more than “Hope all is going well this month.”

*Help her stay up to date with what is happening back “home” even if she is not from your home church.  Knowing things that are going on helps alleviate some of the feelings of isolation.

*Whether a single lady or married, remember she is a gal just like you.  Yes, she is in full-time service, and I do greatly admire missionaries, but she gets her feelings hurt, she has crummy (less than spiritual) days and can feel just as inadequate as the rest of us.  Her kids misbehave and, no doubt, she and her husband do not always agree.  Don’t expect her to be super-woman.

*And don’t get discouraged yourself if she is not able to immediately correspond back to you.  Of course, she might be super busy but it could be she has to make a trip into town just to have internet access.  However she may or may not respond, just continue to be a friend.  That is where the blessing will be for you!!

Other

Comments (2)

  1. That sounds like some great counsel for wives of missionaries, could apply to wives of pastors or even each other. Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in our own lives we forget to encourage each other.

    I rarely stick with 5 minutes, lol. Followed behind you this week.

Comments are closed.