The Missionary Family
By Russell E. Ebersole, Jr.
Through the centuries, the family unit has been the basic component of any stable civilization. It is the “glue” which holds things together. During the past few decades, evangelicals have been increasingly emphasizing family issues, a proper and commendable practice since the first institution God ordained was the family. The Scriptures divinely highlight the family as God’s special means to provide intimate fellowship, instruction, and an effective witness to the world. Jesus Himself was nurtured in a loving family during His formative years.
The family is also a high priority of every missionary couple serving with ABWE. Candidates, reflecting their evangelical culture, are bringing new family expectations to cross-cultural missions. The North American family is facing dramatic and destructive changes due to radical shifts in moral values. Candidates who come from dysfunctional family backgrounds are especially concerned for their own families as they embark on an overseas career in a different culture.
One of the things that attracted my wife and me to ABWE was the importance it placed on the missionary family. We have raised eight children during our many years of service with ABWE. Over and over again, our experience has confirmed that our mission’s leadership has a genuine heart for its hundreds of families around the world, including their approximately 750 MKs.
The missionary family has great potential to enhance the worldwide ministry of ABWE, but it also presents some special challenges to parents and our mission. In succeeding articles, we will explore some of these challenges.
Editor’s Note: "The Missionary Family" will appear in future issues of the Message as a regular feature.
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