As you probably know by now, we are pregnant! I am 16 weeks and feeling great! One of the first questions people ask when we tell them our good news is, “Are you still going to Africa?” Most people, Christians included, are surprised to hear that this little monkey was all part of the Africa plans. Have you met my engineering husband? We Shinars plan things! We found out we were pregnant a week after we mailed our missions application into the Covenant office!
Yes, that is right- we have officially applied to be missionaries! So far, we have completed the in depth application, background checks, health screenings, and integrity questioning. The application questions included: “Please tell us about your Christian conversion and Christian experience,” “How have you participated in the church?” “What plan do you follow in maintaining your devotional life?” “What is your position on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs?” “What motivated your missionary concern?” in addition to questions about how much debt we have, school grades, and work experience. Then there was the health screening which included crazy detailed questions like “Do you floss twice a day?” “Have you ever had a sunburn?” and at least 20 questions on our sex life! There are definitely no qualms about asking personal questions. The integrity questionnaire asked if we had ever had an affair with someone in our church, if we have ever sexually harassed anyone, if we have been fired from a church for sexual reasons, if we have ever been arrested, if we are attracted to people of the same sex, opposite sex, or both. I see that these are all important questions, but I was just surprised and saddened that they had to ask them. So now you know the preliminary questions to being a missionary!
The next step on our journey is a church interview. A small group of people from our church need to ask us some questions, give us their blessing, and recommend us to the mission board. The person heading the interview has already told us that it will be more of a time of affirming our call and praying for us rather than raking us against the coals.
What happens after that? Well, we are not too sure yet. There are still many unknown steps on our journey to Africa. I feel like Peter stepping out of the boat. Jesus has called and I am responsible for making the first step. What happens after that is up to the Lord! But to be honest, not knowing all the details can be a little frustrating for a mommy-to-be in the early phases of nesting mode! Here is where the trust part comes in!
We would appreciate your prayers in the following areas:
- for the health of the baby
- trust in God during the process towards becoming missionaries
- peace in the unknown
- that we will have plenty of time in the States after the baby is born to recover, get used to parenthood, and spend time with family
- for the preparation of us to spread God’s love
- that God would prepare the hearts of the people we will encounter
We are so happy for you on both your adventures - becoming parents and serving as missionaries. God bless with you both with insight and patience as you embark on both these acts of love and service.
ReplyDeleteMomma G