The Parent Trap

Working with young people at the Word of Life Bible Institute for so long, we get to see so many students come and go over the years. They ‘come’ and we get to welcome them and host them and disciple them and serve along side of them. And they also ‘go’, and we get to see them off on to their next school or state or country. My good friend Matt Melville started an Internship through Word of Life where 2nd year graduates can:

1. Go to a foreign WOL field for two years

2. Finish their college degree online

3. Stay active in ministry

4. Learn a new language

5. Experience a new culture

6. See God’s heart for the Nations

7. Do this all with an organization that they already know and trust

Since 2011, we have seen 40 student interns graduate from this program that seems to be doubling every year or two. They went to 27 different countries and we’ve seen about 12 of these graduates come on full time with Word of Life International Ministries.

A book I read recently titled, Student Power in World Missions, explains how every modern movement in missions starts with students who pray and then go. This has certainly been true again through this program.

Unfortunately, I think this number could be higher, the impact could be greater…

I’ve talked with many students with a passion for missions over the years who run into an obstacle along the way. It’s not ability, or finances or support from friends, but the obstacle is their own parents. I’m sure for a host of reasons, don’t want their child to take that step. We could talk about reasons and solutions, but I just want to brag on my parents.

My parents are so behind-us and supportive from the beginning, I have so much to be thankful for! Even though this move hinders their contact with us and with their grandkids they know we are where God wants us and we are following His desire for us, as they instructed me to do when I was young.

Here is a prayer that my dad texted me recently:

Lord God, take this family, full of life and love for You and give them an ever-expanding vision of what you can accomplish through mortal, fallible humans as long as faithful obedience to Your call is the impetus that drives them.  May you be their pillar of smoke by day and pillar of fire by night so that they NEVER have cause to doubt the new heading that you have given them.  There is little doubt that there will be many challenges and possibly even some passing doubts as this chapter plays out over the coming months, but provide them with all the timely reassurances they may require.  If necessary, part the sea in front of them.  May they EVER know that you are actively blessing their pledge to follow you into this adventure without fear of any cost on this side of eternity.  In the name of Your blessed Son, Jesus.  Amen.

Thanks Dad and Mom.