Observations of a Missionary’s Wife on Deputation (The Serious Ones)
Sep 7
Posted by juniorsgirl
Woohoo!!! I am back in a part of the state where I have 3G capabilities. The past four days we stayed in the quaintest farm house, but there was nothing for miles. If I stood on one foot, my head tilted to the right, and the phone pointed toward the window, I could maybe get a text to go through, but internet was a distant memory. This happens quite often while traveling, but this would be part of the snarky ones so…moving on…
Now that I can access my blog again, I wanted to give you part two of my random posts. I started with the more humorous side of deputation. You can read that one here: https://happytrails365.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/observations-of-a-missionarys-wife-on-deputation-the-snarky-ones/ . These are my good tips. Hope you enjoy.
1.) You will get to travel & see some of the most beautiful places in America. I would never have been to almost any of the sites we have seen if not for deputation. Bring a camera!!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Capture it.
2.) You will get to spend oodles of quality time with your husband. I know what you’re thinking ladies, this is a snarky one. But you are sorely mistaken! Junior is my best friend. I enjoy every minute we get as we travel. I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else. Make sure you cherish it. You will miss is when you get to the mission field and he is busy in the work.
3.) You will become reacquainted with why you love America so much. You can’t travel through Boston and Philadelphia and not remember the great heritage we have. It’s impossible to drive past acre after acre of pure lushness in the prarie states and not marvel at God’s hand of blessing. The West is a perfect example of the hard working pioneering spirit of Americans. I am so proud to be an American. God bless the USA.
4.) You will get to see miracles. I could spend hour upon hour telling you all the ways God has come through for us. A life of faith can be scary, but oh so sweet! Be prepared for your faith to grow by leaps and bounds as you watch God take care of you in unexpected ways. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus! Just to take Him at His Word!’ ~ ‘Living by faith in Jesus above. Trusting, Confiding in His great love!”
5.) You will hear and meet and spend time with thee greatest preachers in the country. Take notes!!!! Even if it’s just when they call & invite you to dinner cause you’re in the area, you will want to remember their words of wisdom & advice. Your husband will take notes to steal the sermon outline. You will need to remember the rest. Soak it all in. It will be one of your life lines when on the foreign field.
6.) On that same note, you will get to meet some of the most amazing women in the ministries across the country. What an invaluable resource they have become for me! Not only take notes, but buy any books they may have. Milk them for their years of experience & wisdom. I have had cooking lessons, piano lessons, sewing tips, speaking advice, singing pointers from ladies who excel at these things! Getting the benefits of the masters. You could never get all of these ladies in one place to teach you what you can while on deputation. Don’t miss out!
7.) There will be multiple opportunities to be a blessing. It is such a good feeling to know that across the country we have helped start bus routes and our visitors are still coming, we have painted bathrooms, installed speaker systems, ran children’s churces, cleaned out buildings, had all night prayer meetings, and all around loved people everywhere we went. You will feel like you leave a piece of your heart each place you visit.
8.) Deputation is the Refiner’s Fire. You will be overwhelmed at the vision for your field every time your husband presents it. You will feel inadequate. Unworthiness will haunt you as you are showered with praise and admiration at the churches you visit. As painful as it may be, being humbled is so good for you. Don’t shy away from it. God just wants to bring you forth as gold.
9.) You will begin to realize what is truly important. All those things that you couldn’t live without and you cried when you had to sell them ~ now that you’ve been on the road for a few months have lost their hold on you. They weren’t a necessity at all. Your relationships become more meaningful and possessions are forgotten. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also…
10.) The unsung heroes of Christianity will cross your path daily. The ones who will never speak at a national conference or write books, or receive grand recognition with plaques and statues, but those who are the most genuine, selfless, unassuming Christ-like individuals you will ever know. I am so glad I have been able to meet them this side of eternity. Oh, the crowns they will receive in heaven! And I can already picture them quietly laying them all at Jesus’ feet.
Did I make you want to be a missionary??? Good! Come to Peru! I can honestly say it is an amazing life God has given me.
I am so blessed…
~ Jessica
*You can see all of Jessica's posts on her blog http://www.happytrails365.wordpress.com
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
after all of these so you would remember to read them in the attitude intended, but I didn’t want to over- emoticon you. Hope these brought at least a smirk to your face! Life is so hard if you can’t laugh at yourself!!!Wednesday, September 7, 2011
July-August Prayer Letter
It is with hearts overflowing and spirits soaring that we bring this month’s report. We arrived back in the States last week after spending 13 days in Lima, Peru. My wife and I, along with Zach and Karin Foust, arrived in Peru on Monday, August 4. We were graciously accommodated by veteran missionary Joe Kotvas who sacrificed much to house and feed us and our entire team for our entire trip.
We spent much time surveying property and areas to be prepared for the rest of our team’s arrival the following Tuesday. We were amazed at how God led and guided each day and how He opened and closed doors according to His will. Upon the arrival of the team, with the exception of the Junior Martin family and Heather Mai, we were already feeling strongly that the Lord had led us to the exact area in which to plant our base/pattern church.We spent one day to see a few sights and visit some historical and cultural attractions to acclimate us to the people. We were very involved in many aspects of the ministry of Bro. Kotvas, as we spent time soul winning, helping with a wedding, participating in both a ladies’ and a men’s meeting, as well as participating in Sunday school and preaching services both weekends we were there in Peru.
My wife and I were privileged to win 5 Peruvians to Christ, and we had visitors in church on Sunday. The open hearts and hunger for the truth are evident everywhere.
We were blessed to spend some quality time with many national pastors of Peru, and we were able to share our plans and goals, as well as express our desire to come with a servant’s heart to help multiply the efforts they have been putting forth. We already feel a bond with many great men of God who have been paving the way. God truly has an amazing plan for Peru and all of South America. We are humbled to be your representatives in this field that is “white unto harvest.”It was difficult to say goodbye and head back to the States. In such a short time, God had knit our hearts with so many. We already have our sights set where we could plant our first several churches in addition to the base church. We have had our fire intensified, our passion ignited. We must get back as soon as we can.
We have a few specific prayer requests this month:1. We will begin our final stretch of deputation at the end of September. Please pray for safety and God’s provision as we travel and school our children on the road.
2. Now that we’ve settled on the area to plant our base church, we need a miracle in God’s provision of a building and/or property for the church. I’ve spent much time researching our options, and there is a lot available; but we covet God’s direction to His perfect will regarding which building to rent.
3. Christy is expecting our 4th child, due to be born the end of December or beginning of January.
4. Pray for the other 8 families on our team who are all traveling and working to raise the support they need to be a part of the team.
In closing, we want to thank each and every one who has lifted our names in prayer. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual who has stayed faithful in giving so that we can be your ambassadors. We felt the prayers of God’s people in protection, guidance, and the united decision of the team in the area in which we will plant our base church. Thank you, dear friends, for giving and being faithful to the Lord. Please know your investment is not in vain.
For His glory,
Dan Hubbard
We also have a team page on Facebook that we keep updated regularly and are always adding interesting facts and fun challenges, so check it out!
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