by Chris Lautsbaugh on May 14, 2013
Being a missionary carries a great cost, but does have some benefits. It is not all doom and gloom, complete with vows of poverty and poor fashion choices for clothing. In today’s day and age it is easy to benefit from one aspect of the missionary life. Frequent travel. The nature of missions involves being [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on April 8, 2013
Have you ever found yourself asking, “What am I doing?” “Is this worth it?” “Is this what we signed up for?” If so you are not alone in your emotions, although these feelings can make you feel very isolated. Missions and any form of leadership carries with it an aspect of loneliness. Ordinary friendships become [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on March 6, 2013
I want us to consider how globalization is effecting us as missionaries. Fritz Kling wrote a book entitled “The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents That Will Propel the Future Church” His book will be the backdrop for our discussion. In it he identifies two characters; Missions Marm and Apple Guy. Missions Marm - An [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on February 6, 2013
Do I have your attention? (if not, keep reading…there will be a giveaway later on!) Do you really think missionaries view themselves as a Messiah to the people they reach? No, but this complex starts with a small thought, attitude, or even temptation. That temptation is rooted in arrogance. What!? Missionaries being arrogant? Aren’t the words [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on January 25, 2013
One of the biggest challenges of living and working in South Africa is the constant awareness of crime. Near the top of the list in violent crimes such as murder and rape, South Africa poses a bit a of a safety threat. Poverty drives muggings and home robberies. Very few nights pass when I do [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on December 21, 2012
As a missionary, Christmas can be a season which summons our most intense feelings of homesickness. -You are away from friends and family. No matter how broken family structures become, people always get together over the holidays. -The nation you serve in often does not “feel” like Christmas. The first warm weather Christmas I experienced [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on November 26, 2012
Missionary success is difficult to measure. People are our job, so what is the measuring stick of success? Salvations? Newsletter Headline Inspiring Events? Good Conversations? While it is nice (and often true) to say if one person believes, it is worth it; will the missions committee or our financial backers agree? We define success in [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on October 10, 2012
The local church and missionaries on the field should be on the same team, but often a wedge of misunderstanding is driven between these two parties. There is a danger when missionaries face when we feel entitled to the support of a local body. Many missionaries dig their own grave in destroying relationships with their sending [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on October 8, 2012
We’ve all heard horror stories of P.K.’s (Pastors Kids), M.K.’s (Missionary Kids), and W.K.’s (Whatever other ministry oriented kid turned out bad). While my wife and I have a long way to go to declare success, here are some things we have been practicing to keep missions appealing. 1. Priorities I can hear all the [...]
by Laura Parker on October 4, 2012
a Life Overseas will be officially launching November 15th. This collective blog-site will be a space to encourage, challenge, and help missionaries and humanitarian workers living overseas. Our articles will spark honest conversation, ask hard questions, and give glimpses into the realities of the missionary lifestyle. We have a line-up of writers from all over [...]
by Chris Lautsbaugh on October 1, 2012
This may be the most important missionary message I have ever shared. It certainly is one I must apply the most frequently. The longer I am in missions, the more I gain a sensitivity to a perceived sense of superiority. It is not intended, but it is the message we often communicate. I hear it [...]