That One Phone Call

Ever since we arrived on the mission field, 29 years ago this week, there have been 2 things I never wanted to receive.

1.  A phone call saying that there had been a death in the family.  Please come back to Texas ASAP.

2.  A phone call from any of our "XYZ" Churches saying that they are dropping our financial support.

So, far we have yet to receive a phone call about a death in the immediate family.  Praise the Lord! 

However, yesterday, Glenn and I received that dreaded phone call from XYZ Church.  The mission pastor on the other end asked some questions about how we are doing and then said those dreaded words, "We have decided..."

Everything went blurry.  Was I hearing everything correctly?  Words such as "Your ministry doesn't align with what our church believes is valid/correct."  WHAT?  My heart sank.  The tears started to flow.  How could this be?  I immediately started to go through the stages of grief:  Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and finally Acceptance.  (Frankly, I've only jumped back and forth between the first 2 stages.)

These past few weeks have been some of the hardest ministry days we have experienced recently.  I need Member Care.  I need someone to talk to.  Just this week, we have had to face some tough issues with some fellow co-workers, touching on some sensitive areas, and taking on some additional responsibilities.  And yet, we sense God's hand of blessing and affirmation in ever increasing ways. How can XYZ Church say, "Your ministry doesn't align with our focus?"  I feel like the ministry of Pastoral Care is not valued or appreciated.

But then I say, the Lord has given and the Lord has taken away, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!"  My God is Bigger than this.  He will continue to take care of us.  He will bless us through this storm. He always has and He always will.

I don't want to be THAT

• That missionary who complains.  
• That missionary who never has enough support. 
• That missionary who keeps asking for money. 
• That missionary who becomes bitter over ministry.

However, I want to be THAT

• That missionary who praises the Lord through difficult situations.
• That missionary who answers the phone call with grace.
• That missionary who is thankful for how the Lord is working and will work.
• That missionary who knows how to live with plenty but also with little.

I wonder what my next phone call will be?

Any helpful suggestions or advice?  Any lessons you have learned going through a similar situation?

~J 
Tomorrow's post will be a THANK YOU note.