Deputation

Deputation looks more difficult than it really is. That is not to minimize the very real challenges. There is a price to pay for this method of raising missionary support—paid with time, finances, physical and emotional drain. But the dividends are great.

A furlough is defined as “a leave of absence.” To missionaries, the term “furlough” is known as the time to go “home.” There are many different views on what a furlough is, depending on what a missionary wants to accomplish while he is back in his homeland.

To most missionaries on deputation, arriving on the mission field after just eighteen months of raising support is an unattainable dream. I have met missionaries who have been on their deputation trail for three to six years. One missions agency says that the average deputation time is four years.

Culture shock is a feeling that can happen to us when we are in cultural situations that are different from our expectations­—usually in a bad way. With this definition in mind, we would guess that reverse culture shock should not exist.

As a missionary, I would like to recommend an app to you that could be a great blessing in organizing your deputation or your furlough. I use it all the time, and it has made this process easier. If you are like me, you have a list of churches that looks like a spreadsheet. This contains churches that you know pretty well, and also many churches about which you know almost nothing.

In the latter part of Acts chapter fourteen we see the activities of Paul and Barnabas as they are finishing their first missionary journey. Churches were established in several cities. The disciples were taught, and converts were trained to lead the churches. After this they returned to Antioch.

Furlough is a time that we as missionaries look forward to, and we should. It can be a great time for families to make memories and to get refocused on serving the Lord. However, like anything else, a good furlough takes planning to be successful. Honestly, sometimes when I have a day off, I fail to plan it well, and always regret it afterward. We can’t let that happen with our furloughs, so here are some tips that have helped me during my last two times back in America.

What a missionary does with his time while traveling full-time on deputation will greatly depend on his family situation, but using that time wisely as a good steward is absolutely necessary. Here are some pointers that my family found helpful to use our time wisely, and yet enjoy the journey when we were on deputation:

In some churches, especially larger ones, the pastor will want you to only give a testimony. Sometimes he will give you only two or three minutes.

Missionaries have different ways they like to present their work. I believe the most effective way to do this is through your preaching.

Some of the best Christians in the world are wives of missionaries. They live without things that most American women take for granted.

Find out what it will cost you to purchase items such as food, office equipment, furniture, transportation, housing, clothing, etc. Find out what things will cost you more there than in America.

One of the best investments you ever make as a missionary could be a planned visit to your field. The money you spend, which may be as much as several thousand dollars, will come back to you many times over.

I do not want to discourage you about finances because God can provide them. But you must answer this question before you go forward.

While my wife and I were on the road gaining support for Hermosillo, Mexico we learned five important lessons I would like to share with you.