We have actually gotten similar responses since we first publicly announced our surrender to missions in Spain? We even got from one friend "well, if I was going to surrender to missions I'd pick some place easy to move to like Spain too." Other responses have included "you picked a beautiful spot to "suffer for God," (with a little tone of sarcasm) and "'what a "hard' place to have to go." (again with a little sarcasm).
We are definitely blessed and grateful that God has called us to a place where the running water and electricity are almost always available. I am so glad that they have indoor bathrooms and they flush and have seats (I've been to third world countries - seats and flushing are a blessing). We are being sent to country where the language is a little easier to learn than other Asian languages. Thank goodness as I struggle to speak any language other than southern English. We will have school options that are great. We are giving up very few modern conveniences. Yes, we are blessed in the location.
But before you (or we) get too comfortable in where God has called us listen to what a missionary from a 2nd - 3rd world country said to me a few weeks ago:
"I serve in a South American country where electricity is questionable and bathrooms outside of our home are usually a temporary structure where the latest hole was dug. Water cannot be drunk directly from its source. Many of the areas we reach are only accessible by dirt roads and some of the roads are questionable as to whether they are a trail or a road. Our living conditions are what you think of as a stereotypical lifestyle. Our material sacrifices are difficult, but we serve in a country where people desire to learn of God; where we are welcome because they see that we have the key to a hope that they do not have. We see visible fruit from the seeds that we are planting. Our friends and family are excited about ministry because we can tell them regularly of people that have come to know Christ and of baptisms that are occurring and churches that are being started. However, where you are going will be much more difficult than any material sacrifice we have been asked to give up for you will probably not be able to share of great numbers coming to know the Lord right away. You are moving to a country where they see no need for God and no need to make relationships with people who know God. You will have almost every modern convenience you have here in the states which is going to make your task harder, for people in Spain do not believe they need what you have to offer and people in America think you have moved to an easy place to life and wonder where the results are going to be from the financial support they have given you."
I do not write this so that you feel sorry for me. I cannot wait to be in Spain and I cannot wait to meet people that I have already developed a love for without ever seeing. I am so excited that God has called us to Spain and that He has a plan for us. I am also very excited that I'll have electricity and indoor bathrooms. But be cautious how you think of missionaries in European countries with all the modern conveniences of America. It just might not be the "cushy" assignment that comes into your mind.
VERY well put. The sad part is that it's like that here in the US. We are comfortable. We have running water, electricity, gas, cars, vehichels and all of the "benefits" of living here in this land and we so often think...."things are good and "cushy", I don't need Him" WRONG!!!!!!!! We need Him more than every. Shame on us!!!! We need to be living like we KNOW who HE is and cause other people to WANT to KNOW HIM!!!!!!
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