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kobyj
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 Posted: 05/05/05 - 23:26 Post subject: Would you ever consider...
A long-term missionary commitment? By long-term, I mean spending 3.5 years or more in a 3rd world country.
Do you know anybody that ever participated in a mission?
If you did or know somebody that participated in a mission, what are your/their thoughts?
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Noley
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Posted: 05/05/05 - 23:42 Post subject: Re: Would you ever consider...
| kobyj wrote: | | Quote: | | A long-term missionary commitment? By long-term, I mean spending 3.5 years or more in a 3rd world country. |
Currently kobyj...I would not. I couldn't do anything of the sort with my children...custody...etc. Even if I could, I don't think I would. Not at this stage of my life anyway.
| Quote: | | Do you know anybody that ever participated in a mission? |
A friend of mine from HS did. She went right out of HS, met her current husband, had a baby (who's a champion rock climber) and loved her experience. I'll learn more this summer at my 20 year reunion.
| Quote: | | If you did or know somebody that participated in a mission, what are your/their thoughts? |
I admire people who do this sort of work to better the lives of other people. They humble me in a way, because they are putting their needs aside for it. It's a very unselfish thing to do and something to be respected.
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MechEngDropout
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 00:19 Post subject:
I'd do it if I had something to preach.
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kobyj
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 00:36 Post subject:
| MechEngDropout wrote: | | I'd do it if I had something to preach. |
They are more than just preaching though. They are teaching, building, serving, and caring.
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 05:14 Post subject:
I wouldn't but I think you'd do well. It would be a wonderful experience. 
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rolling rock
The Pinball
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 06:16 Post subject:
if i were younger and single and strongly connected to a church with a mission program, i might look into it, but i doubt it would become a serious pursuit... our church has married couples as missionaries around the world, their stories are always enlightening.  i do not know any missionaries personally.
my thoughts being it is a very hardline of work/living. not for the faint of heart but truly, if you are called, it is completely fulfilling.
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Library Chick
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 06:58 Post subject:
We know several people who have and are doing it. If you're considering it, you might want to do a short term commitment first, to see how you like it. That's how some of the people I know have done it.
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j1miller
Puppy Love!
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 07:17 Post subject:
No. I'm too selfish for that type of thing.
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RangerG
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 07:52 Post subject:
I would do it if:
It were on a Native American Reservation.
I was financialy secure enough to give the time.
I had a place to sleep and food to eat.
I did not have to try and change their religious beliefs.
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TOsteve
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 07:57 Post subject:
I have done a few short term missions trips in High School/University. I spent two summers in New York City and a summer in India. In New York we worked mostly with inner city youth and the homeless. In India we volunteered at a orphanage and built a new school house for a local primary school. I have also volunteered at inner city missions in Toronto and Chicago.
All of these experiences have been the most fullfilling, educating and enriching times in my life. I believe God will call me down this path again and I would truly love to do something long term.
My experience has been that not everybody falls in love with this kind of work. You should definately try something short term (3-4 months) to see if you're as passionate about the actual work as you are about the concepts that motivate the work.
Just my 
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kobyj
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 08:39 Post subject:
| TOsteve wrote: | I have done a few short term missions trips in High School/University. I spent two summers in New York City and a summer in India. In New York we worked mostly with inner city youth and the homeless. In India we volunteered at a orphanage and built a new school house for a local primary school. I have also volunteered at inner city missions in Toronto and Chicago.
All of these experiences have been the most fullfilling, educating and enriching times in my life. I believe God will call me down this path again and I would truly love to do something long term.
My experience has been that not everybody falls in love with this kind of work. You should definately try something short term (3-4 months) to see if you're as passionate about the actual work as you are about the concepts that motivate the work.
Just my |
I have participated 4 1-week service trips in the past. I went to the poor areas of Kentucky twice, have been to Jamaica and Haiti.
I will admit that I am considering it. I have also considered shorter commitments to begin with. I'm planning on speaking with a priest at Purdue that spent several years in El Salvador.
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phillycat
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 08:42 Post subject:
I would do it in a second. I have done it in the past for short terms through out the US. Am planning on doing some in Mexico and El Salvador next year with Temple.
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Maddies Wench
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 08:50 Post subject:
Sure. I'd think about it. There's is nothing like the experience to gain learning to live in a world that isn't what you're used to.
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runaroundsue
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 09:10 Post subject:
no, not where my life is right now. And if I didn't have young children, I'd only do it if I could choose to decline the destination. I read too many medical records of young people that were in the peace corps, etc...that picked up weird stuff and a few that had trouble getting back due to their health. 
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DCRunningDiva
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Posted: 05/06/05 - 09:38 Post subject:
A long-term missionary commitment? By long-term, I mean spending 3.5 years or more in a 3rd world country.
Yes, I would consider it. It would be difficult at this stage in my life right now but for the future - sure! Although, I see needs right here in our own country that I would probably take over going into a 3rd world country. I think we sometimes overlook what is right at our back door.
Do you know anybody that ever participated in a mission?
I have known tons of people in this position.
If you did or know somebody that participated in a mission, what are your/their thoughts?
I have some friends right now who are full-time missionaries in the Chec Republic. The fully enjoy being there. They have to survive with less than they had in the states but their life isn't about just having money. I have some cousins who are full-time missionaries in the Philipeans and they, too, are enjoying being there. Obviously they are in harms way every day of their life but the experience of being able to share God's word is worth it to them. I have other friends who have been missionaries in long-term projects related to medical care. They, too, have come back and said they enjoyed their work. I can't think of a single person I have known (or heard of) that has come back with a bad experience. If you have the heart to do it I would highly suggest it because it will be life changing for you.
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