A number of
years ago my husband, Dave, said, “At church, they teach us to tithe—give 10
percent—of our money, so why not encourage people to also tithe their
professional lives?” In other words, after people have worked, say, thirty
years in their careers, how about working three years in a ministry? Great
idea!
And, in fact, a
number of mid-lifers, empty-nesters, and baby boomers—instead of retiring to a
life of leisure—are transitioning into ministries, even overseas missions. Most
people in this age group have good health, energy, and a wealth of experience
and wisdom to share. Many organizations recognize this and actively recruit
such people.
Maybe you, too,
are ready to try something new, so I invite you to read Grandma's Letters from Africa, read over my granddaughter
Maggie’s shoulder, and learn how a mid-life woman—I—moved to Africa and even
lived to tell about it! And while you read, keep in mind that maybe you could
do something like this, too.
First, though, consider
this: Change is inevitable. In the years since Dave and I returned home from
Africa, Wycliffe Bible Translators has changed, as have other mission agencies.
If you were to work with Wycliffe today, you would work with a different Wycliffe
than we did. Field training (orientation) courses, such as Kenya Safari, have
changed. Financial policies have changed, and furlough schedules are more
flexible than they used to be.
Nairobi has
changed, too. Kenya has changed. All of Africa has changed. If you were to
travel today to Nairobi, you would find the city, suburbs, and life there
different from the Nairobi I knew. People now shop in supermarkets with wide
aisles, bright lights, and enormous selections. And there’s a
beltway (bypass) around parts of the city now.
Cell phones and
video conferencing have dramatically changed communication with loved ones back
home. I hear that the police don’t allow loiterers around City Market any
more—that must make shopping there very different nowadays!—and that the city
razed the blue stalls nearby. Friends tell me that even the potholes have
changed for the better!
Some things in
Africa have not changed, I’m sure of it: the flowers, animals, and birds; the
vast open spaces, jungles, and deserts; and especially the African people—their
laughter and their music, their spirit, soul, and faith.
Perhaps a
second career in missions is just what you’ve been looking for—maybe for a few
months, maybe for a few years. Working on the mission field is doable as long
as people are willing, flexible, and strong in their faith. So, while you read
over my granddaughter’s shoulder, I hope you’ll say to yourself, “If that gal
could do it, so can I! Where do I sign up?”
In many parts
the world,
not just Africa,
the needs are enormous.
The rewards are, too.
Be sure to
follow Grandma’s Letters from Africa on Facebook. I post a lot of additional
fun stuff there.
You can order Grandma’s Letters from Africa from your favorite independent
bookseller, or the following:
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