Thoughts about Vacation

by Jeffrey Bush

Last week my family and I went to the gulf side of Florida. Returning to our nine-year “usual vacation spot” is hands down our biggest highlight of the year. We love the beach, the pool, the sand, the lizards (ok, just my son and I love this part), sleeping in, lots of snacks, and the carefree feeling. This year I promised not to be on devices. I did great until I finally answered a pastor’s call. I thought I was clever, but when I walked downstairs two of my daughters looked at me and said, “Give us your phone.” Busted! 

I’m sure you don’t want to hear about my vacation, so let me get to the point. Allow me to tell you why I believe so strongly in vacations, and why I want to encourage you to plan your next vacation. Below are simple thoughts that I ask you to consider: 

  1. Rest and relaxation are godly. 

God rested after creating the world. God gave the children of Israel a sabbath, and made them take it seriously. God gives His beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2). God tells those that are weary and heavy laden to go to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28). God makes the sun to go up and down, forcing a break from work while the big light goes out. 

You see, resting and relaxing is good and needed. In fact, there’s nothing godly about always working and never resting. In other words, there’s nothing noble by saying you haven’t taken a vacation in years. That thought pattern isn’t God-like; it’s actually admitting you don’t agree with God’s teaching. 

  1. Make memories. 

Kids grow up fast, and they need a suitcase full of good memories. You and your spouse are growing old together, so make it a fun time instead of just letting time fly by. After the Psalmist talks about how fast and frail our lives are in Psalm 90, he asks God, “So teach us to number our days” (vs. 12). If you number your days, you realize how few they are and you will begin planning to make them count. Your days are few and your days with your spouse and children are fewer, so be purposeful in making memories. 

What happens when you let your kids look at your phone? Although they may play games, they usually find the pictures and start looking through them. So let me ask you, what memories will they find in your photo album? Maybe it’s time to pull the phone out and record some of those memories. 

  1. Plan small getaways or activities now. 

You don’t have to wait until next summer, until you’ve saved up, until you have a break or until the kids are out of school. Yes, you most certainly should plan a yearly vacation, but you can plan memory-making moments every week. What about a time to go to the lake? What about a movie on the wall with your projector? What about a trip to the park? What about a picnic? What about a hike or nature trail? What about a day at the zoo or aquarium? What about a board game? What about a boat ride, camping trip, or fishing trip? While there are times to spend money or take a week off, there are some activities that don’t require large sums of time yet can rejuvenate you, your spouse, and your kids. Start planning some memory-making moments this week for the family. So here’s the homework: Pull out the yearly calendar and nail down a vacation week (or two). Pull out the monthly calendar and see what special family activity can be done this month or even this week. Planning and anticipating is a large portion of the fun!

Here to Serve,
Jeff

Thank You for Your Service

Thank You for Your Service

Whenever I see a person in military clothing, I try to thank them for their service. I’m grateful for those who stand with and support our country. These servicemen can be easily detected because of their uniform (or an older person with a hat depicting which war they fought in). But missionaries, ones who stand with and are sent forth with the Gospel, are not so easily detected. Their clothing or personality do not give away the fact that they are courageous soldiers serving on the front lines of a spiritual war. So may I take a moment and thank you for your service, dear missionary friend, and remind you of some special blessings God has specifically for you:

  1. God doesn’t forget what you do 

Hebrews 6:10 tells us that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love.” In fact, God says that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Don’t be weary as you work for the Lord, knowing that “of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23). Though you may feel others forget you, please keep praying and plowing because God has not nor cannot forget your service. 

  1. What you do is an eternal investment

Your service to the Lord is considered “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20). 

When the woman broke and poured out her alabaster box to the Lord, she was criticized for “wasting” what she had, but Jesus said what she did would “be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:13). The investment was not a wasted one, but rather the greatest investment anyone could make. And so it is when one pours out their life to the Lord. Many things will be forgotten, but what is done for the Lord will not be forgotten, it is an eternal investment! What you are doing now will matter in eternity. 

  1. The rewards of serving God are great

It seems that Peter asked an imprudent question when he asked the Lord what the disciples would receive for leaving all and following Him. I’m sure most wanted to know, yet it was Peter who awkwardly asked the Lord. Our gracious Lord didn’t reprimand Peter, or the others, rather gave him a reply, which seems open for all those that follow Him as such. Here’s what He said: “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:28-30). Present and future rewards. Can’t beat that! 

The majority of people prioritize money, clothing, and food, but God says if you will seek Him first and His righteousness, “all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). And our Lord continues this truth by saying, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25). What God offers is greater than anything the world can offer. Your service to the Lord brings great rewards. It is well worth serving Jesus. 

Thank you for your service!

    Jeffrey Bush

Fewer Missionaries, Larger Population

Sometime back my missionary friend reminded me of an obvious yet forgotten fact: the population is larger than it’s ever been, yet there are far fewer missionaries than in past generations. I chewed on it for the next few weeks, and it bothered me. I want to offer very specifically to my missionary friends how we can do something about the great need and few laborers. Below are areas of consideration if we are proactively to pick up the mantle of responsibility and see more laborers:

  1. Our Preaching

A pastor has the responsibility to feed his sheep, but a missionary gets one introduction and one opportunity to challenge people in church. There are so many wonderful things to preach on, but as a missionary, you must realize God has sent you to a church (whether deputation or furlough) to inform and ignite a burden within these fellow believers. You don’t get to return next week to follow up, so be intentional with your visit to show the need and ask prayer for more laborers. The church knows your need of support, the pastor has you visiting for that specific purpose, but God might have an individual in the congregation that needs that invitation/challenge to go. 

One book I read said that, after talking to a large gathering of retired and senior missionaries, he asked them what age they felt the call of God to become a missionary. The typical age was eight years old! My wife, Mindy, surrendered when she was around eight years old. Where do you think these young people saw missions? When missionaries came by and visited their church. Please do not neglect to preach with a passion in your heart to see future laborers raised up. 

  1. Our Children

Not every missionary kid will grow up to be a missionary, but we cannot deny the fact that it is more probable for an MK to have the desire, knowledge, and leading of God to be a future missionary. MK’s grow up helping their parents in ministry at a very young age. They most likely speak more than one language and know more than one culture. Their hearts are most likely more sensitive to the Lord, His work, and the global need for the Gospel. While a parent should never force ministry upon their children, they would be wise to pray and speak to their children about serving God as a missionary. Children love and look up to their parents, and it is very likely that God wants you as parents to help these little disciples as He might lead them to be future missionaries. 

  1. Our Prayers 

We are all very aware of the obvious truth that “we have not because we ask not.” (James 4:2). Are we asking and believing God will raise up future missionaries? When Jesus mentioned the great need and lack of laborers, He stated that we should start with praying to the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). When we pray, it seems to open our heart about the need, our eyes to look around and consider, and cause us to depend on God to separate out future laborers. 

 

  1. Our Emphasis

You can only focus on so much. When you get the opportunity to converse with others on the road, you can must be specific about what you discuss. Nothing wrong with working out, playing sports, enjoying a movie, reading good books, and enjoying some good food, but make your emphasis about God’s work. What do your social media posts reveal about you? What is the underlying message in your prayer letters? You and others know what your emphasis is by what you spend your time on, what you talk about, what you love, and where your money is. Your words, actions, posts, texts, and conversations should reveal your emphasis. 

Education on the Mission Field

by Jeffrey Bush

A topic of stress for those with children can be your children’s schooling. Living on the mission field brings multiple challenges, specifically in marriage, but when you throw in a big decision such as how and where you will educate your children, marriage can be strongly hindered. I don’t need to remind you that children are a gift from God, but they are not meant to divide or be more important than your marriage. Learning to discuss areas about child rearing will help your children and your marriage. 

When we speak about raising children on a mission field, the topic of education is important. I have met good, godly parents that believe homeschooling is the best form of education. Other godly parents believe the public school system offers the best for their children, And still other good parents believe a Christian school, or starting a Christian school, is the best form of education for their children. Opinions and convincing facts can probably be made for each of these three choices, but ultimately you, as a parent, must make the decision on what you believe the Lord wants for your family. Whichever way you choose, you and your spouse should agree on the best course of action. Allow me to give you three areas to consider for you and your spouse when it comes to educating your children:

Consider your Child

My wife and I are blessed with five children. Irregardless of the age and gender, each of our children have their own personality. This is not something unique to our family, God has made every child and individual different. And when it comes to the education of your child, you must take into account the needs of that specific child. Can your child sit and motivate himself/herself to do the work alone? Do you think someone else can get through to your child better than you can? Does your child thrive off the social surroundings school could offer? As a parent, God has given you the responsibility to know and raise your child. Be prayerful and know your child, their needs, and the best way to educate him/her. 

Consider Yourself

It’s rather easy for others to apply pressure on how you educate, but you must consider how God made you. If teaching sounds miserable to you and your spouse, then attempting to homeschool your children will be miserable for both you and them. If you don’t have the money to send your children to a private school, though family and friends might push you to do so, you have to determine if going in debt is the wise thing to do. You must make decisions in the situation God has placed you and your family in, whether others agree with your decision or not. Maybe God has given you the means and opportunity to send your children to a good private school. Maybe God has equipped you to educate at home. Maybe God has given you peace about sending your children to a public school. If you make a decision based on someone else’s opinion, not seeking peace from God on your own, you will hurt your children.  

Consider your Location

If your mission field provides good education, take advantage of it. If your surroundings force you to educate at home, or combining efforts with other good families in the area, you might have to go that route. In the Bible we see Moses was in a hostile environment, yet God had a plan for his rearing. The same can be said of Daniel and other Bible characters. Wherever God has placed you, He has a way for you to educate your children.

One final consideration when it comes to your children’s education. Avoid making adamant or blanket statements on how you will always/never educate your child a certain way. Certainly stand with your convictions, but be sensitive to your children and to the Lord. Years ago, my wife and I decided we would make a yearly assessment for the best method of education. This helped us pray, consider, study, and decide what is best for that specific school year. Children grow, circumstances change, and God leads differently, so make a decision for each school year. There should be no pressure to make a decision you’ll have to live with for the next twelve to fifteen years. And please remember, God did not make perfect parents, but God made you specifically as the right parent for your children. God intended for you to raise the children He gave you, so seek Him on how best to do it.

Dear Missionary

Dear Missionary,

It’s pretty clear you’re doing this all wrong.

————

You missionaries living in guarded compounds, you’re obviously not really invested in your community. You alienate your neighbours with barbedwire topped fences.

You missionaries living in houses and apartments in local neighbourhoods, you are risking the safety and well-being of your family. Thank God for those missionaries in that guarded compound nearby that welcome you with open arms and shelter you in times of trouble.

————

You who buy imported western food; don’t you know how important food is to a culture and that by avoiding it you are avoiding connecting with your host culture?

You who buy food from the local market and street vendors, don’t complain when you get typhoid or amoebic dysentery. It’s your own fault. You know how unsanitary all that is.

————

You who use cars and drive everywhere you go, how will you ever become part of your community if your neighbours only see you coming and going through tinted windows?

You who walk or bicycle everywhere, your community is embarrassed to have the only missionary without a car. If you had a vehicle you could use it to better help the community.

————

To the missionary full-on embracing your new culture and abandoning your own, you’re “going tribal” and that’s a pretty foolish thing to do. You’re headed towards a cultural identity crisis.

To the missionary clinging tightly to your home culture, opening up those clenched fists won’t make you un-American or whatever. You’re alienating yourself by not loosening up.

————

You who go on furlough every summer are basically telling the people you serve that your vacation is more important than pastoring that young congregation, translating scripture, or helping the suffering community through that health crisis. Your actions don’t match your message.

You who wait years and years before taking a few months away are going to have a nervous breakdown. Missionary burnout is well documented and you jeopardize the long term work.

————

To the missionaries who own modern appliances, what a frivolous waste of donations. You should be living at the same standard as the people you serve.

To the missionaries without modern appliances, you are frivolously wasting time doing things the hard way when you could be spending that time ministering instead.

————

You who attend language school, you are probably substituting a classroom for relationships within your community.

You who learn language on your neighbourhood streets, your approach takes forever and if you just went to a school it would be a much more efficient use of time. You could get to actually ministry sooner.

————

You who attend the expat church on Sundays, think about the message you are sending to the local Christians. It might not be with words, but with your actions you’re saying there’s something wrong with their churches.

You who attend the local church are neglecting worshipping in your own language and culture. You hypocritically insist the local Christians should worship authentically in their own cultural way, but you don’t do it yourself.

————

To the missionaries who send their teenagers off to boarding school, you are risking the emotional health of your kids when they are already at their most vulnerable ages.

To the missionaries who home school their teenagers, you alienate them from all their friends who have all gone off to boarding school and you’re risking your child’s academic development.

————

You who pastor and translate and evangelize but don’t include seeking justice and meeting physical needs because that’s just not your ministry, aren’t ushering in God’s Kingdom here on earth.

You who spend all your time doctoring and building clinics and teaching new farming methods are forsaking the gospel and might as well just be humanitarian workers. There are more important and eternal things at stake.

————

You who hire house helpers, gardeners, and cooks should be ashamed of your colonial attitude.

You who do it all yourself without house helpers, gardeners, and cooks, are pretty selfish and stingy for not providing employment when you clearly have the funds to do so.

————

To the missionary already decades in the field, your methods and mind-set are outdated.

To the brand new missionary, you haven’t been here long enough to understand the complex layers of this culture and in your zeal you’re making some really stupid and damaging mistakes.

————

Hope this helps and you feel suitably convicted.

Thanks and yours truly,

Judgmental, but totally righteous, Missionary Me

It’s pretty clear you’re doing this all wrong.

————

You missionaries living in guarded compounds, you’re obviously not really invested in your community. You alienate your neighbours with barbedwire topped fences.

You missionaries living in houses and apartments in local neighbourhoods, you are risking the safety and well-being of your family. Thank God for those missionaries in that guarded compound nearby that welcome you with open arms and shelter you in times of trouble.

————

You who buy imported western food; don’t you know how important food is to a culture and that by avoiding it you are avoiding connecting with your host culture?

You who buy food from the local market and street vendors, don’t complain when you get typhoid or amoebic dysentery. It’s your own fault. You know how unsanitary all that is.

————

You who use cars and drive everywhere you go, how will you ever become part of your community if your neighbours only see you coming and going through tinted windows?

You who walk or bicycle everywhere, your community is embarrassed to have the only missionary without a car. If you had a vehicle you could use it to better help the community.

————

To the missionary full-on embracing your new culture and abandoning your own, you’re “going tribal” and that’s a pretty foolish thing to do. You’re headed towards a cultural identity crisis.

To the missionary clinging tightly to your home culture, opening up those clenched fists won’t make you un-American or whatever. You’re alienating yourself by not loosening up.

————

You who go on furlough every summer are basically telling the people you serve that your vacation is more important than pastoring that young congregation, translating scripture, or helping the suffering community through that health crisis. Your actions don’t match your message.

You who wait years and years before taking a few months away are going to have a nervous breakdown. Missionary burnout is well documented and you jeopardize the long term work.

————

To the missionaries who own modern appliances, what a frivolous waste of donations. You should be living at the same standard as the people you serve.

To the missionaries without modern appliances, you are frivolously wasting time doing things the hard way when you could be spending that time ministering instead.

————

You who attend language school, you are probably substituting a classroom for relationships within your community.

You who learn language on your neighbourhood streets, your approach takes forever and if you just went to a school it would be a much more efficient use of time. You could get to actually ministry sooner.

————

You who attend the expat church on Sundays, think about the message you are sending to the local Christians. It might not be with words, but with your actions you’re saying there’s something wrong with their churches.

You who attend the local church are neglecting worshipping in your own language and culture. You hypocritically insist the local Christians should worship authentically in their own cultural way, but you don’t do it yourself.

————

To the missionaries who send their teenagers off to boarding school, you are risking the emotional health of your kids when they are already at their most vulnerable ages.

To the missionaries who home school their teenagers, you alienate them from all their friends who have all gone off to boarding school and you’re risking your child’s academic development.

————

You who pastor and translate and evangelize but don’t include seeking justice and meeting physical needs because that’s just not your ministry, aren’t ushering in God’s Kingdom here on earth.

You who spend all your time doctoring and building clinics and teaching new farming methods are forsaking the gospel and might as well just be humanitarian workers. There are more important and eternal things at stake.

————

You who hire house helpers, gardeners, and cooks should be ashamed of your colonial attitude.

You who do it all yourself without house helpers, gardeners, and cooks, are pretty selfish and stingy for not providing employment when you clearly have the funds to do so.

————

To the missionary already decades in the field, your methods and mind-set are outdated.

To the brand new missionary, you haven’t been here long enough to understand the complex layers of this culture and in your zeal you’re making some really stupid and damaging mistakes.

————

Hope this helps and you feel suitably convicted.

Thanks and yours truly,

Judgmental, but totally righteous, Missionary Me

Are There Foes?

Exert from W. A. Criswell Sermon Library

Some years ago when I was in Oklahoma, I heard of two Southern Baptist missionaries named Hogan and Hayes. In the midst of an awesome trial, Hogan said to his friend Hayes, “I am quitting; I am going back home. This is too much.”

So Hayes said to his friend and fellow missionary, “I understand, I know; but before you go, would you sit down and sing just one song with me?” Bradford Hayes got his guitar and strummed the tune as they sang:

Am I a soldier of the cross,

A follower of the Lamb?

And shall I fear to own His cause,

Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies

On flow’ry beds of ease,

While others fought to win the prize,

And sailed thro’ bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?

Must I not stem the flood?

Is this vile world a friend to grace,

To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight, if I would reign;

Increase my courage, Lord;

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,

Supported by Thy word.

When they got through singing the song, Hogan turned to Hayes and said, “I am staying.”

God never called us to “flow’ry beds of ease.” He called us to be His workers, His servants, and His witnesses. However life may turn in His gracious hands, let us affirm “to God be the glory.” The tears of Paul’s discipleship and apostleship are always evident.

21 Questions to Determine Your Commitment to God

by Jeffrey Bush — 9-30-2020

  1. Can you say Father not my will but Thine be done? (Your plans, future, dreams, desires and all)
  2. Can you say you count all as loss to know Him? 
  3. Can you say you submit yourself to His plan for your life?
  4. Can you say you know and believe there is a real and literal hell? 
  5. Can you say you know and believe people are lost?
  6. Can you say you truly know God wants to use you?
  7. Can you say your life belongs wholly to God?
  8. Can you say you know and believe Christ is returning soon?
  9. Can you say you know your life has a purpose and mission set by God?
  10. Can you say you know now is the best time for God to use you?
  11. Can you say your life is worthy of others imitating? 
  12. Can you say you are putting God first or are their other things holding that spot?
  13. Can you say you are sold out and fully committed to whatever God wants? 
  14. Can you say you know it’s your reasonable service to serve God?
  15. Can you say you are growing in your life instead of just maintaining? 
  16. Can you say you love God or are you more cold or lukewarm? 
  17. Can you say your life is a light in this dark world? 
  18. Can you say you realize you are made to be an ambassador Christ? 
  19. Can you say you’re living and acting like a servant for God? 
  20. Can you say you will be the faithful salt, light, and witness for God right now? 
  21. Can you say you are consumed with God?

It’s Your Turn

Joshua 1:1-2 — It’s your Turn

“the Lord spake unto Joshua… saying” (vs. 1) “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise” (vs. 2).

Moses, God’s servant was the leader of Israel. Israel now is a mega power after leaving Egypt and 40 years in the desert. Whether hundreds of thousands of people or over 1 or 2 million people, it is still a lot of people for one man to be leader over (especially with no cell phones, emails, FB status’, Twitter and any form of social media to let everyone know what is going on), but God used Moses to lead this massive group. Now Moses dies before they cross into the promise land and God tells Joshua it is time to step up. How in the world can Joshua fill Moses’ shoes? How can Joshua know what to do and where to even start? But this book, Joshua (named after the new leader), relates how Joshua was ready and prepared. Here are a few of the reasons why I believe Joshua was ready when it was his turn to lead:

  1. He had been Moses’ servant for a long time (Num 28:11 — “And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men”)
  2. He had his own personal relationship with God (Ex. 33:11 — “his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle”)
  3. He had been serving in positions of leadership (one of 12 spies, meaning he was representative of his tribe as well as captain of army. Ex. 17:9 — “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek”)

Sadly, many people are not ready for the next step in life or ministry that God may have for them because they have not prepared as Joshua. Who are you serving right now? Do you have a personal relationship and walk with the Lord or are you depending on someone else’s relationship with God to keep you going? What ministry and area of leadership are you working in right now? If we are not preparing right now, what makes us think that we will be ready tomorrow when God says, “it’s your turn, time to step up to the plate”. No sports player enters into a game without practice before. No musician plays in a concert without lots of practice time. No doctor goes into surgery without many hours backing up his profession. So why do we think that we can just “shoot from the hip” in God’s service, the most important work in the world. May we be faithful in preparing right now… and we will do fine performing when it is time.