Message Magazine Online - Vol. 55, No. 02, Summer 2007

In This Issue

• Children of the World
  Angela Shuff
• Canadian Editorial
  David Smith
• The Original Six
  Ross Riggs
• Children A High Priority To God
  Jim Cook
• My Father's Refuge
  L.W. and P.K.
• Family At The House Of Laughter
  N.H.
• Your Final Gift For Children
  Spencer Jackson
• Seeing The Blind With Compassion
  Joan Smitz with Angela Shuff
• The Life Of An MK
  Danielle Devore
• CLIPS
  
• A Little Child Shall Lead Them
  Bill Commons
• Children's Corner
• Too Big To Hear God's Call?
  Michael G. Loftis

The Life of an MK

Danielle Devore, MK

The life of a missionary kid (MK) is one of constant change and a wide variety of experiences. We are exposed to many different cultures and people. We know what change is, and we know it well enough to not fear it. What seems a monumental catastrophe to our peers seems to us trivial compared to the problems facing the people of our mission field.

We know what it is to have two places of residence, one in America and one on the field, but never feel completely at home in either. Sometimes we find it difficult to relate to our American peers due to the difference in our perspectives. We can identify with the Scripture passage that describes Christians as not being citizens of earth but of Heaven.

Despite all the hardships we go through, most of us wouldn’t trade places with anyone. We are privileged to be MKs, witnesses of God’s work around the world. Yes, there are times when we cry and feel lonely, but God takes care of us. We are important to Him. While people listen to our parents’ message of hope, they turn and watch us to see if it’s true, if it really “works.” Don’t get me wrong; we are not super-spiritual kids. We have our bad days just like all humans. But we know that our parents aren’t the only missionaries in our family. Just as our parents have received God’s call to the ministry, so have we. Some of us may resent that and consider it an irritating burden, for life in the ministry is hard and requires so much. However, most of us recognize it for the privilege it is and do our best to help where we can. Our life is not easy, but it is rewarding. As MKs, we get to witness firsthand how God can change lives, and we have the guidance of godly parents. Ours is a rich heritage that will always follow us no matter where we may go the rest of our lives.

To learn more about MKs, befriend them. Learn from them and encourage them. Each MK is different and thus will have different opinions. Get to know them; I assure you, they have wisdom and many stories to share if you will give them the time. 

Danielle is an MK who grew up in South Africa. She is currently attending The Master’s College.

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You Know You’re an MK in The Gambia When . . . 

• School is closed because of a dust storm.
• The only time your mom lets you go barefoot is in church.
• You curtsy when you greet people in the United States. [That’s the normal greeting in The Gambia.]

You Know You’re an MK from Japan When . . .  

• You would rather sleep on the floor than on the bed. 
• Your family gathers around the computer to read the email.
• Eating spaghetti with chopsticks is easier than using a spoon and fork.

You Know You’re an MK from Bangladesh When . . . 

• You know REAL cockroaches are three inches long and can fly.
• You’re the only one who’s seen steaming elephant dung in the jungle. 
• To get home for the holidays, it takes two days and you travel by plane, taxi, bus, boat, and rickshaw.