What Does MK Stand For?
An MK's Perspective

By Melanie Long

All my life I have heard that "MK" stood for "Missionary Kid." Then one day I got into a discussion with a well-meaning-but-definitely-wrong-adult who stated most assuredly that "MK" stood for "Missionary's Kid." There's a big difference. "Missionary's Kid" implies that you have no reason for being in the foreign country except that your parents are missionaries and you belong to them. But "Missionary Kid" shows that you are a missionary in your own right because God called you along with your parents.

What can MKs do to show they are essential on the mission field? The following are just a few of the many ways MKs make a difference in their world:

My sister, Megan, and I have worked in our AWANA club in Chittagong for many years. Megan tutors and helps in the William Carey Academy, giving her good experience toward her goal of being an elementary teacher. During the last three years I taught Bible lessons at an orphanage once a week. A friend plays soccer with local people, getting great exercise and witnessing. An MK friend in Central America capitalizes on her status as the village's only foreign teen-ager by sharing her Christian magazines and teaching English.

The International Baptist Fellowship in Chittagong ministers to people from many different countries. I have been involved in the lives of many of these internationals-both adults and children-and help teach children's Bible classes.

MKs can help each other. Twice a year while the parents are in Field Council meetings, the older MKs look after the younger ones.

MKs can encourage their parents. Whether or not their children are happy makes all the difference. On the dark, discouraging days, a missionary parent can get hope and strength by seeing their children. Even simple things such as being cheerful and not complaining help. One day as I was practicing the piano, a man came up to our house to say that he enjoyed my playing. Then he talked to my parents and they invited him to church.

MKs can help when they return to their home country. It's not always fun to be in a different church every week, but MKs who are friendly on all those Sundays make it easier for everyone. Speaking in front of hundreds of people may scare some MKs out of their minds, but for those who feel God is asking them to do so, their speaking is a way to be a blessing to the churches, youth groups, and Sunday school classes. MKs also have the opportunity to reach out to other kids in North America. One of my friends in college was able to interest other students in missions and encourage some to go into full-time missionary work.

Many times I have felt too young to do much for the Lord, but I know that He can use me no matter how young I am. A Korean missionary recently told my mom something I'll never forget. She said, "Your girls help you a lot with your ministry. They are no longer little girls. When I tell other people about you, I don't say they have two daughters, now I say they are four missionaries." That was the greatest compliment of my life. It makes all the time spent wondering if I have done any good for anybody worthwhile.

God is doing wonderful things in the world today. Thousands of people are coming to Jesus. Amazing things are going on right now, and God has allowed MKs to have a part.

Melanie is 15 years old and in the10th grade.