The following is an exert from chapter 4 of the book Missionary Guidebook For Ladies by Mindy Bush
Deputation can bring out the worst in us if we let it. It may sound glorious to travel all over the United States, visit churches, and never have the responsibilities of home, but when the newness wears off, the negativity surfaces. If you keep your heart and mind right, there is no reason to complain about deputation. God is so good to get us from here to there, taking care of our needs, and blessing us in a thousand little ways along the way!
There are so many pluses of deputation. Think on the positive. What you think becomes what you believe, which directly affects how you act! If you are a negative person, it’s going to come out everywhere you go. You will complain about the long trip, your kids acting up the whole way there, the hotel room, everything. If we aren’t careful, we will start to feel entitled. We think we are sacrificing so much and therefore should be treated better. To combat the negativity, memorize verses to help you focus on the right things. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
What kind of attitudes should you have on deputation? Be excited that God has called you and your family! I have met some missionary wives who act like they have no idea what they are doing and are only along for the ride! Get on board with your husband!
Remember that your attitude not only reflects the Lord, but it will also affect if others will want to become missionaries. Many people who have surrendered to missions were around missionaries that excited them, not the gloom and doom ones.
Be grateful! Don’t come expecting anything from churches! It takes away their joy when you ask for something before they can even offer! Maybe it’s been a long day and you want the church to have a nursery or class for your kids so that you can have a break from them. But this shouldn’t be the first thing you are looking for when you enter the church building!
Write thank-you notes everywhere you go and as soon as you can! Thank before you bank (the check). Carry thank you notes with you in your purse or vehicle so you can always be prepared to leave one for the pastor’s wife or host family.
10 Reasons Why Deputation is GREAT!
- Watch first-hand God’s provision for your family!
- Meet some incredible people!
- Gather many ideas for your future ministry.
- See God’s awesome creation.
- Make lots of memories with your family!
- Raise up future laborers for the mission field!
- Meet in person the people who will sacrifice and pray for your family.
- Minister to others.
- See the need around the world as you meet other missionaries!
- Time to grow spiritually, read or listen to good books on the road.