Grate Expectations

Ultimately God is the One who prepares and sustains people in ministry whether locally or abroad.  There are unique challenges faced by those who are led to serve in a foreign field.  Recognising and preparing for these changes will aid you immensely in overcoming all by God's grace.  When shrubs or trees are transplanted they can experience shock, and moving a family across the ocean can be shocking as well.  But the glorious truth is Christ is the best husbandman, and the fruitful tree He prunes so it might bear more fruit.

I never aspired to foreign ministry, but it is something God has called me to embrace.  Answering the call has been rewarding beyond belief.  Such aspirations will eventually end up disillusioning and burdensome when of the flesh.  Travel and living abroad has a romantic appeal to some, like a boy who becomes temporarily infatuated with a girl.  But those for whom God has opened a door no man can shut to a foreign field, having confirmed His call upon your life through His Word and others, here are a few things to keep in mind which can prepare you to stay the course with joy.  Expect things to occur which will grate on you, but this is a necessary part of the refining process God employs to make us useable.  This is obviously not a exhaustive list, but these are lessons my family and I have learned along the way.

• Understand you need to change.  Moving internationally means transitioning into a new culture with a different mind-set and world view.  It is insensitive and foolish to be endlessly comparing and contrasting with your original background.  Quit comparing and learn to be content.  You need to be willing to adapt concerning language and communication style, eat different or unfamiliar foods, watch or play different sports - without trying to force people to change to accommodate you!  You are the foreigner, and you must be willing to change every aspect of your life to minister effectively where God has placed you.
• Be prepared for silence.  Just because your life has been radically changed with an international move, life for everyone else is very much the same.  If you expect hundreds of email replies to your newsletter, you will be disappointed.  If you expect phone calls from friends and family or even the people with whom you are connected in the foreign field, you may be waiting a while!  Life goes on, and only Jesus is available to speak anytime - even without needing a good internet connection.
• Get used to being wrong.  Be prepared to say the wrong thing the wrong way at the wrong time.  Humbly admit mistakes when you make them, and do your best to improve.  Be willing to have a hearty laugh at your own expense.  No sense in becoming angry over missing a turn because you were driving in the wrong lane.  Accept you are imperfect and welcome correction as a loving friend and gratefully accept those who seem to rejoice to instruct you. 
• Get used to needing to prove yourself again and again.  It can be hard going from having a reputation as the "real deal" in your home country to being an untested unknown - and sometimes unwanted - in a foreign field.  Respect is earned over time, not obtained by virtue of your position or sacrifice.  Being a foreigner in Australia, whenever my circle enlarges I need to prove myself again.  Even becoming a dual citizen, my accent for the remainder of my life will expose me as an outsider.  It is following Jesus with patience, humility, and faithfulness over the long haul which brings credibility.  It can be exhausting to perpetually be on trial, but God provides all the strength we need.
• You need to to take the initiative.  Don't expect to be automatically included because you are new.  Take time to make friends outside of ministry.  Ask people about where they do their shopping and ask them to help you buy clothes.  Involve yourself in volunteering with charities or at your children's school, connect with other parents through sports, and invite others out for coffee or dinner.  Go up to people at church and join in with their conversation.  Unless you take personal steps to enlarge your circle, it will remain painfully tight.
• Transition will take time.  Be prepared for this to take many years, not months.  When I trimmed a lemon tree, it remained without much growth or lemons for an entire year.  A year later, however, the same tree produced a massive harvest.  Establishing a family in a foreign country takes a long time.  Things will not be "normal" for years.  At every turn there can be constant reminders you are a stranger in a foreign land.  Take time to ensure your immediate family is well settled before spreading yourself thin with ministry responsibilities.  The house should be built before the shed, or otherwise we leave our family in the cold while we toil away on our projects.

Hopefully these lessons are useful as you are obedient to go and serve the LORD and people wherever He sends you.  With God all things are possible.  All the mental preparation in the world is nothing compared to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and guidance from God's Word.  The LORD spoke in Joshua 1:7-9, "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."