What does it mean to be an MK (missionary kid)? Being crammed in a van with your siblings and traveling to another church? Yes! Always being asked the same question: Do you have snakes in the Philippines? Yes! Always saying “good-bye” to friends? Yes, at least it feels like it for an MK! However, Abigail, one of our MK’s, tells us that she would be sad if she wasn’t an MK. Rebekah is excited when she receives e-mails from her friends (though she doesn’t receive emails as often as she would like). In following God’s call, we have made choices which affect the lives of our children. At times they struggle with the results of those choices. However, it thrills our hearts when then participate with us as “little missionaries”. For example: A few months ago an old lady died in our village. Our family went over in the afternoon to give them some rice and to show concern for their loss. As we sat with the Agutaynens, they were making flowers out of crepe paper (culture note: this is a way they decorate the casket and grave). Abigail and Rebekah asked if they could help. In this time of sadness our girls saw a way that they could help.
Another example: Occasionally our partner will have Stephen teach on Sundays. When this happens, Stephen likes to prepare on Saturday as much as possible so he doesn’t have to do the work Sunday morning before he teaches to the Agutaynens. One Saturday, Rebekah went with Stephen to our teaching area. There is a large chalk board there that Stephen likes to write verses and notes on. This particular Saturday, Stephen wanted to have John 3:16 written on the board. As Stephen was about to do this, Rebekah asked, “May I do that for you?” These examples and many more are highlights and blessings to us parents in the ministry. Do you want to be an encouragement? Write a letter to an MK today! Please remember to pray for our kids.