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Questions about: Guidance
Gregg: (09/22/07) Another question from Gregg ~ I note you are the missionary in residence. Cool! I admire your long-standing work in the Lord (your first year in missions was the year I was born!) My question - I am a missionary in Sri Lanka. My sabbatical year is 2009 - the academic year. I am looking/praying/considering how the I might be of service to the kingdom of God during that time. My background is teaching/pastoring/administration and so on. My real heart is academia, missions, and administration. What do you suggest brother? The Lord bless your work ~ Jeremiah 29:11 for you and me:-)

Jack: Thanks for Jer 29:11, Gregg - one of my favorite verses!

Furloughs are special times - an opportunity to share with our supporters, rest, and get ready for the next period of ministry. Since you are interested in academia, I would suggest that you study. I don't know where you are in your academic career, but it would be great if you could not just take courses, but - say - complete a master's degree. As Dr. MacGavran told us when we received his orientation lecture at the Fuller School of World Mission, "Isolate your greatest problem, do research on it, and come to some conclusions that you can put into practice."

Another suggestion is to settle down near your most significant supporting church and spend time with the people, getting to know them, the pastor, their ministry, etc. It will give you greater sensitivity to the needs of these folks and will also enable them to see you not just as "the missionary" but an individual whom they have come to know, appreciate, and even love.

May the Lord guide you and help you face the many decisions you will have to deal with before you leave Sri Lanka.

In His Grace,

Jack

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