Comments on: Motherhood and Ministry: A ministry of example

By: Mom the Theologian « Missionary Moms

Mom the Theologian « Missionary Moms — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:05:58 +0000

[...] of the truth, as well as speak truth and light to others around them. Like I mentioned in a previous post, motherhood is an unmatched opportunity to shape the next generation, a privilege and honor that we [...]

By: alatvala

alatvala — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:28:49 +0000

Hi Sarah! It is really great to meet you! I totally hear you on how hard it is to find balance in both of our roles. Of course first we are moms and then we are missionaries, but where exactly does the line fall? Sometimes I wish there was a detailed schedule outline for moms in the Bible that would tell us exactly what we should and should not do! I will pray for you as you try to find the balance that God is calling you to and for wisdom. I am glad to hear that you find this site encouraging and I hope it continues to be so!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:44:49 +0000

Hi, I just found a link to your site and have enjoyed reading it this evening. We’ve been working overseas for 4 years and for the last 3 years after language study we’ve been in a high-demand support ministry for our co-workers living in remote locations. I’ve struggled since day one to find a good balance between being just mommy and then being overwhelmed-in-ministry mommy. Some days I go to bed feeling great about the day I had with my two little ones, but other days I go to bed feeling so defeated and deflated remembering all the mistakes I made with my kids and my time that day. Anyway it was an encouragement for me to find your site, and I look forward to continuing to follow along!

By: For Missionary Moms — Missionary Blog Watch

For Missionary Moms — Missionary Blog Watch — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:37:18 +0000

[...] example: International travel with kids: some great tips. And Motherhood and Ministry: A ministry of example. And how about Make-It-Yourself: [...]

By: alatvala

alatvala — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:23:31 +0000

I love it, Jen! So true! Yeah, I totally agree that all mommies are missionaries by the very nature of their job and call. And what a challenging and amazingly worthy mission field!

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:40:07 +0000

Thanks for sharing your heart and passion. I recently was thinking about your title for this blog and how my identity as a missionary mom works itself out even as I live in the states. I was thinking that if I held the title of a pastor (no worries, it’s just an example), I would be accountable just by my title to live a life of worship as others would come to a pastor for guidance and example. Having the title of missionary mom (in the states) and not just saying stay at home mom is something I’m all for.

By: jami

jami — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:58:02 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this a lot, too, lately, and have come to the same freeing conclusions. There is no greater ministry than loving and investing in our children- and the world sees this and Christ shines brightly through!

By: alatvala

alatvala — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:09:11 +0000

Hi Gina! Thank you so much for your great thoughts! I totally agree with you! I didn’t mean to say that outside involvement is not important, because I DEFINITELY agree with you that it is! Sorry if it sounded that way! We need to actively maintain our vision for the work that our whole family has been called to and I also believe that we have things to contribute. (Also, I think there are often ways to do some of our “outside” ministry effectively in the home.)

I was mainly writing this based on a number of conversations with several missionary mom friends who have expressed this same feeling of having a great desire “do” a lot because they have a huge heart for their ministry, but at the same time feeling defeated because their capacity and responsibilities limit that more than perhaps they/I would have expected pre-child.

“Motherhood and Ministry” is a series of a bunch of related topic, and there will definitely be one about maintaining vision and involvement in outside ministry. A big part of my heart though is to encourage moms (missionary moms or not) about the value of their unseen work as being of great eternal significance.

Thank you for your thoughts and making sure to address the other very important aspect of our two roles as missionary moms!

By: Gina Marie

Gina Marie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:33:44 +0000

It’s an interesting situation to be a missionary mom, because while it’s true that being a mom is our first priority, I’ve found that if I’m not connected to the ministry and culture outside my home, it’s easy to start thinking, “I could be doing this back home!”

But you’re so right in saying that our example is a huge ministry. I used to have a local woman come to my house for mentoring, and while we had great discussions, she said one of the greatest things for her was to see a Christian example of a wife and a mom. She had none of those in her life! And taking my kids out when they were little was like bringing a giant magnet with me! They open so many doors.