“Missionaries have to re-think their relationship to possessions. It’s important to live and travel light.”
Silk Road Mission exists to identify, connect, and support Gospel Workers to the peoples of the Silk Road. It’s my ambition to see a new generation of missionaries raised up to take the name of Jesus Christ to places He has not been named. His name will one day be praised by every tribe and tongue. I want to be a part of what the Lord is doing and I hope you do too.
This post is the ninth of ten that will lay out the life cycle of missionary service. Whether you are simply exploring the idea or have already chosen an agency, these posts are meant to encourage and inform you. Let me know below if they helped in anyway!
We have previously outlined the first steps of Missionary Service. You can check those out by clicking on the link. We’ll now discuss some final considerations and last steps before you go. I’ll give my best advice on downsizing and saying goodbye to loved ones.
Less is MOre
I remember the day that it was clear I was going overseas. I’ve previously posted about it here. As excited as I was to go there was one glaring problem: I had way too much stuff. Most Americans do. It was overwhelming and caused me a ton of stress thinking about what to do with it all.
Around that time the term “minimalism” began to really pick up steam online. I had seen the famous documentary about the concept and it blew me away. For the first time I was confronted with the idea that I didn’t need all the items I owned. This led to my first ever sort.
I put items into four categories:
Use Everyday
Use once a Week
Use approx. once a Month
Almost never used.
The items I use everyday were kept but I looked to see if any items could do double duty. The items I use once a week were further separated into two sub-categories: essential and luxury. Essential items were obviously kept and I debated with myself if I truly should keep the luxury items. I got rid of a ton of stuff using this method alone. (Note: I only kept luxury items if they made my life significantly better. Otherwise, I got rid of them.)
The third category were items I used so rarely that I couldn’t tell if it was once a month or once a year. This category was easy enough to sort through. If I couldn’t remember the last time I used the item it was discarded. If I hadn’t used it in less than three months then it was discarded. If I had used it at least once in the last month then it was kept.
Finally, the last category were items that I was unsure why I even owned in the first place. They were used so rarely that it was almost a foregone conclusion to get rid of them. The obvious exception to this were heirlooms and keepsakes. Of course, I wasn’t going to get rid of items passed down from my great-grandparents and grandparents.
Using these methods I reduced my personal belongings down to a large suitcase, a small suitcase, a storage tub, and a backpack (excluding my bed and furniture which I sold or gave away). The tub was stored at my parents and I left for Taiwan with my suitcases and backpack.
You may be thinking, “Who cares? What does this have to do with being a missionary?” Well, quite a bit actually. Missionaries have to re-think their relationship to possessions. It’s important to live and travel light. Our mission is a heavenly one and so we don’t need much. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:8 that they would be content with just food and clothing. We are to emulate that same attitude.
As you prepare to finally go to the mission field physically, you will need to get rid of some stuff.
Final Preparations
Okay, your excess stuff is gone and you’ve stored away heirlooms and keepsakes. Good.
You’ve gotten all the right shots? Good.
All the right visa documentation has been handled or is in process? Good.
If you joined an organization, they’ve given you a departure date and everything? Good.
There are two BIG things left to do.
Let your support team know your departure date and have a sending off party. Ask your church to be willing to let you do it there. This is mainly for your supporters. If your team is scattered about consider a virtual gathering.
Have a family and friends get together. This isn’t geared toward supporters but rather family and close friends. This may be your last chance to see many of them for a long time. Enjoy the time!
Once you have done everything that needs done it will be time to Go! You’ll be nervous but excited. This is a moment to cherish and remember. Never forget that nervous energy as you wave goodbye, hug your parents tight, or board the plane. The adventure you’re undertaking is one with eternal implications but that shouldn’t make it drudgery. Missions is a ton of fun. Welcome to the club!
The next post is the final post in our series. We will sum up what has been said and look at some verses to encourage missionaries in their work.
That’s all for now travelers! Thanks for reading!
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He be gracious unto you and make His face shine upon you. May He give you peace.
See you next time!
Kenneth See
SRM Founder