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[SagorFamily1611]

Has anyone ever come in contact with what you thought were fake missionaries (people passing themselves off as missionaries. when they aren't) Recently we had some "missionaries" (?) to Israel come to our church, and nearly everything about them just shouted to DH and I that they were fakes...... We of course aren't sure that they are but there were a lot of things that were inconstant.

I also wonder if they were "fake" like we think they how they could do that, conscience wise. If anyone was to try to pass themselves off as a missionary they would have to study the Bible somewhat in order to preach.....

[KJB1611]

I know of some "missionaries" that have what they call a "ministry" but it's not really a ministry at all and they have interfered badly in many people's lives.  I was decieved by them.

[JoyfullyHis]

As a missionary, I just have to step in, and say...WAIT!  Before this becomes a bad rap for ALL missionaries.....

There has become such a negative thought about missionaries and honestly it feels like people treat us like we are on vacation or something.  We live in a highly volatile place in the ME and work harder than we have ever worked.  With the dropping dollar, there are so many of our friends around the world and here in the same profession that are struggling.  We also find ourselves struggling.

Instead of criticizing those who are fake, why not spend your energy seeking out some who are real, and have sacrificed EVERYTHING, being around family- kids w/ no grandparents around, freedom, owning any property, like a house, even the security of their own lives for the sake of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, which is so precious and worth every bit of "sacrifice" made.

I agree that there are some fake missionaries, and have even met some in the country we are in...but unfortunately, talking about the fake ones stirs up animosity towards all of us, even the genuine.

May the Lord lead you to some m's you can connect w/.

Joyfully His

[KJB1611]

I think it's important to know about the fake missionaries because in the church circles I've been in, anyone who even claims to be a missionary is practically worshipped almost.  There are some great missionaries out there, but there are also fakes and it's important to know both.  I have no problem with genuine missionaries who are trying their hardest etc.  But when you have certain missionaries come in their brand new name brand clothes, name brand shoes, very expensive car that they'll tell you they bought outright, and tell you they need support when you have a broken car, and thrift store clothes, I do find that hard to believe.  I know some like that and I know some that live like regular people...I have respect for those ones.

[uptrapperdansgirl]

As a missionary, I just have to step in, and say...WAIT!  Before this becomes a bad rap for ALL missionaries.....

There has become such a negative thought about missionaries and honestly it feels like people treat us like we are on vacation or something.  We live in a highly volatile place in the ME and work harder than we have ever worked.  With the dropping dollar, there are so many of our friends around the world and here in the same profession that are struggling.  We also find ourselves struggling.

Instead of criticizing those who are fake, why not spend your energy seeking out some who are real, and have sacrificed EVERYTHING, being around family- kids w/ no grandparents around, freedom, owning any property, like a house, even the security of their own lives for the sake of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, which is so precious and worth every bit of "sacrifice" made.

I agree that there are some fake missionaries, and have even met some in the country we are in...but unfortunately, talking about the fake ones stirs up animosity towards all of us, even the genuine.

May the Lord lead you to some m's you can connect w/.

Joyfully His

  and let the church say amen! we will be adding you and all missionaries alike to our prayers. thanks for giving us more to lift up to the heavens!

[SagorFamily1611]

I'm not trying to down any missionaries, I have a great respect for missionaries and feel that missions may be where the Lord may eventually lead DH and I to. The reason why I am so concerned is because these "missionaries" had brand new, name brand clothes, trailer car etc, and yet were asking for donations of $1000 and you would get a stone in their church with your name on it. That wasn't what lead us to think that they were "fake" but it seemed inconsistent.  Aren't we supposed to rely on God for our needs. George Muller would only announce that he hoped to build a new school or whatever and then he would leave it there. I know George Muller is a high standard, but at the same time this missionaries whole kabang was about getting more money. Every 10 minutes or so he would mention how badly they needed money. And yet as I said they had a new car, a new trailer and his wife was dressed "to the nineties" I think the saying is. So was he, I don't know much about clothing styles but his suit looked like an Armani (?) the expensive brand.

He also said he was a KJV only but his KJV Bible was brand new. You could tell that was his first time using it.

[KJB1611]

Most missionaries are very genuine folk and do need help.  But sometimes it is iffy when I see families like I mentioned above.  They personally only EVER wore name brand clothes, the others "weren't good enough", they owned TWO brand new cars, a house (nothing wrong with that), and a lot of expensive recreation gear like jet skis and motorbikes...and were talking in churches about how they had "needs".  Sell the jet skis and motorbikes and you might have the money for what you "need".

[JoyfullyHis]

I will say the same thing I said earlier but in a different way. 

Do you know how people who work in banks learn to identify counterfeit money?  Do they study the countless counterfeit dollars out there?

NO!  They study and analyze and memorize the genuine, real money.  Then, when they see a counterfeit, they know immediately.  This is what I am suggesting, get off the bash missionary bandwagon.  Find some missionaries you believe in and support them!

I do not know the people you are speaking about.  However, what I do know is that NO GOOD THING can come from gossip/slander.  And a lot of bad things can come from generalizing. 

American church has become the church that stays, not the church that goes.  Going is quite contrary to the American culture.  It is quite difficult to do.  People do not understand the life that missionaries live.  There is enough general negativity towards missionaries, why do you feel a need to generate more?  Stand with some people you believe in, and let God deal with those you call "fakes."

There are many ways that missionaries "raise support".  Basically, there are three camps-
1.  Don't ask anyone but God, like George Muller.
2.  Ask people to pray about partnering with you.  (no specific amounts, no pressure, etc.) I think Hudson Taylor was of this camp.  This is what we do.
3.  Tell people, I am asking you to give $10,000 for this project of an orphanage and we need it by the end of the month.  DL Moody did this.

I love the life I live, even if I often feel misunderstood.
Jesus paid the price, with his very precious blood.
I want to live every day for His honor and glory.
I don't just want a newsletter story.

The only reward I need is to know
I have been faithful, He will tell me so.
We are only sojourning here.
No need to squander and no need to fear.

Joyfully His

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

I'm not trying to down any missionaries, I have a great respect for missionaries and feel that missions may be where the Lord may eventually lead DH and I to. The reason why I am so concerned is because these "missionaries" had brand new, name brand clothes, trailer car etc, and yet were asking for donations of $1000 and you would get a stone in their church with your name on it. That wasn't what lead us to think that they were "fake" but it seemed inconsistent.  Aren't we supposed to rely on God for our needs. George Muller would only announce that he hoped to build a new school or whatever and then he would leave it there. I know George Muller is a high standard, but at the same time this missionaries whole kabang was about getting more money. Every 10 minutes or so he would mention how badly they needed money. And yet as I said they had a new car, a new trailer and his wife was dressed "to the nineties" I think the saying is. So was he, I don't know much about clothing styles but his suit looked like an Armani (?) the expensive brand.

He also said he was a KJV only but his KJV Bible was brand new. You could tell that was his first time using it.

Something that came to my mind right away is how do we know if that person spent the money on that nice outfit, Bible or whatever or if someone gave it to them?

We don't know.

I know if a family has tons of nice fancy expensive things it is unlikely, IMO, that they were given all that. But we never know. But if just a few of their things is expensive then I would say that is OK and we never know if they were given those things or not.  And everyone wants at least a nice thing or 2. Just because a person is a missionary does not mean they have to dress and live like homeless poverty stricken 3rd world country ppl unless they need to to fit in with their surroundings in the country they are being missionaries in. 

I know I have been given some nice things before and then later have someone assume I was improperly spending my money on that expensive nice stuff when in actuality I never spent a penny on it because someone gave it to me.  Ppl do that, there are many good hearted ppl out there in this world who give and help others without being asked by anyone but God.

I'm just saying IMO it is a good thing to not judge anyone to fast because we never know how they obtained those nice things. Maybe they got them years ago before they became missionaries. Maybe it was given to them, maybe..............................


 :)Just adding in another side of the coin not arguring or putting anyones feelings down. 

[KJB1611]

I agree, but I know many missionaries who have MANY nice things and brag on the fact that they will only buy name brand whatevers lol.  I don't mind people having nice things, but when you are saying that the support money goes for "living and other costs" and you purposely make your living costs higher than the average family, that's what I have a problem with.  If your living costs are higher through no fault of your own, that's one thing, but when you purposely make them that way because you refuse to buy anything that isn't brand new and name brand, yes, I have a problem with that.

[Siege]

I have never met a missionay that bragged on the fact that they only wore name brand clothing. I have never met a missionary that used their money unwisely. I want this to be on record that ALL the missionaries I have met have been legit. CJ

[BJ_BOBBI_JO]

I have never met a missionary that bragged on the fact that they only wore name brand clothing. I have never met a missionary that used their money unwisely. I want this to be on record that ALL the missionaries I have met have been legit. CJ

I agree with CJ. All the missionaries I have ever meant were never rich because they simply just did not have the funds to be rich. They spent their lives living in poverty stricken areas of the world so they could tell and teach others about Jesus. The very Jesus that died for them and wants them to accept His free gift of salvation.

I suppose when the missionaries are back in America they have to go back to the American styles and dress in nicer clothing in order for ppl  to take them more seriously when they are going around to the differant churches and telling them of their experiences. If the missionaries doing that did not dress in nicer clothing for the speaking engagements ,in this culture, the ppl would unfortunately think they were not  taking their job seriously enough and all that garbage. So it would appear as if they cant win or lose. Doomed if they dress nice and doomed if they don't.

It is a good thing God knows them and will reward them for their work for Him. Only God can know their hart soul and mind. And a missionary is still a human being which therefor makes them capable of making misstakes. I cant even think of a fake missionary right now. I don't think I have ever met one but that does not mean they don't exist. I just know that all the ones I have met have been truly godly ppl. Not perfect ppl. Just ppl made by God doing God's work for Him.

[amy3js]

I'm sure there are people who pose as missionaries and take advantage of people. But I also wanted to add that we know a missionary family who comes back to the states every other year or so. When they do, they generally receive new clothing (especially the kids), shoes and various necessary items from grandparents and friends- generally as a way to bless them for their work and giving of themselves. So I don't think that newness of clothes/items in necessarily a symptom of something off because I would guess that many missionary families experience this type of giving. Just my $.02. 

[SagorFamily1611]

I don't think I explained my purpose for posting this very well.  The reason why I posted about fake missionaries is because I wanted to know if anyone has ever come across some. I have always looked up to missionaries and met so many wonderful people, then we see these missionaries and it seems like everything about them was different than any other missionary I have ever known. To me it would be impossible to put on a show and act like missionaries for money, but I wanted to know basically if there was such a thing or if I misjudged this couple. I hope I have.

[Joyfulmomto9]

In response to your question.  We ourselves are missionaries to Liberia and yes we have met fake missionaries.  If you feel that there is something wrong in your spirit and you are not just being critical that you could say that you you are most likely right.  Not everything is what it appears to be.  You have to look deeper than the surface.  I think I felt the spirit in which you asked your question was not critical or accusing of any other missionaries out there it was just and inquiring question. 

I as a missionary was not offended by what you asked. 

Stacy 
http://loveforliberia.blogspot.com

[begabone]

We are hoping to head into full time missions. We are leaving in Aug to attend an intesive missionary training school for a year. I want to say that in our planing for the mission field I have sold a lot of our no longer needed items, such as homeschooling books, kids outgrown clothing, etc on ebay and I have been able to purchase "brand name" clothing such as Levi Jeans and Lee dress pants for my hubby, used but nice and cheap on ebay. I was actually excited to be able to be a help in this way and now I'm feeling bad that I've bought "name brand" clothes! My reasoning was because they would last a lot longer and we've never had good reason to have nicer, long lasting items. We've always bought cheap but knowing we could be out on the field for years, we wanted things to last.
I too think that you really have to be careful in the way you look at things. I would never go out and pay top dollar for anything but if the Lord blessed us with a new vehicle and nice clothes, I would be grateful!

[KJB1611]

That's different.  But when "missionary" kids are bragging that their parents buy all the name brand clothes brand new because "they deserve the best" there is a problem.

[girly]

I have great admiration for anyone who CHOOSES to serve the Lord's will in the mission field as their life's work.  I would be incredibly cautious to declare a missionary a "fake" for the sake of the clothes they wear, the home they live in or the car they drive.  I'd realize that anything is possible in the Lord and the clothes matter little.  I don't believe for one second that in service to the Lord you must buy all your clothes at Goodwill.  If I was a size 6 I could wear the best of clothes for next to nothing because I find BEAUTIFUL designer clothes 80% off at stores and for $1-$2 often in yard sales.  I believe that people are happy to gift top quality, hardly worn clothes to the people they admire who sacrifice the comforts of "home" in exchange for a life of service to our Lord.  I think grandparents and family and friends who have loved ones far from home are HAPPY to splurge on special things when they don't have the opportunity to just have dinner with the kids.  I think many missionaries sell all they own, cash out portfolios and can make themselves quite comfortable for a time as they lead a life of service.  Maybe their SERVICE is their gift to the Lord, maybe they use funds from people who don't take the call to support their "work" and if they live well while working for the Lord - what is that to me?!  I believe we should be looking to the Lord for where to place our gifts.  There are liars and thieves all around us - if we give to one, mistakenly, it isn't our money anyways.  God can do a good work with HIS money, no matter where we put it... as long as we give it cheerfully in His name.  Yes, there are false people everywhere - seek the face of God and choose to believe in the good in people.  If someone steals from you - give them double and do it in Jesus' name.  I think it is far more important to pray for blessings for the people who are doing a work that God hasn't called me to do.  And after that - just trust Him with the rest, after all, it all belongs to Him anyways.

[KJB1611]

Not all missionaries "give up comforts" when they are on the mission field.  Some gain many comforts normal Christians will never have, using the money of the normal Christians to obtain it.  I do know some that are in it just for the money, and they are not true missionaries, but people think they are because they know how to "charm" their audience.

[Pennie]

Why can't you dwell on something positive for a change?  You know what? My mom and dad are missionaries and they dont' feel like they gave up any comforts.  You know why?  B/c God has blessed them tremendously b/c they are doing what he wants them to do.  When my mom and dad come to the States they dress very well.  My mom has suits that are way nicer than most of my clothes(dress suits)you know why?  B/c when they come to the States PEOPLE GODS PEOPLE, want to bless them and give them money and say go buy something for yourself.  So they do.  Or they just take them out and buy them clothes.  They have friends AND people they hardly know that do that for them.  My mom RARELY pays full price for one of those really nice outfits.  I have never been to the house they live in now b/c they moved there after I left the field.  But I can tell you we always lived in a nice home.  They also have a pool, that they never had when we were there.......you know why?  B/c somone GAVE it to them.  So you need to stop assuming that every missionary that has nice things are just users.  My parents work VERY hard and God blesses them for it.  As do MOST missionaries.  So you met one or two that weren't above board well, I guess they'll answer to God for it won't they? 

[mexmarr]

I have also seen missionaries that "appear" to have "too much."

My parents have been missionaries in Mexico for 17 years.  I lived there with them four 11 of those years plus three more with my dh.

There were times in the States that people hinted things like that to my parents.  But do you want to know how we live most of the time?  We were in a 2 room cabin, plus a small loft that you couldn't stand up in.  I shared the loft with 5 sibling.  The whole house was under 300 square feet.  We didn't have electricity or running water.  We actually carried our water up hill 1/4 of a mile.  And then we used that to hand scrub our laundry.

And do you know what?  People were jelous because that log cabin actually had tile, and nice kitchen cabinets, both of which were gifted to us.   

 

[girly]

God is the judge of all of us, we all deceive in our own way.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I'm not going to judge the heart, the character or the validity of someone who is working in Jesus' precious name.  I'd rather be deceived out of something that doesn't belong to me at all then to misjudge a brother or sister and possibly hurt or slander them.  This is where it does help to seek God's leading with where to share our gifts.  We must be so VERY careful in pointing our fingers.

[hollyolly123]

God bless missionaries!  Where would I be without them?  I shudder to think.  I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that there are way, way more "real" missionaries than fakes.  And if we get the creeps about someone, we ought to just pray about it IMO.  He answers prayer.

My husband wants to do missionary work someday (maybe sooner than later : ), and I hope I won't be paranoid about wearing nice looking things that were given me or I got at a really good price at a second hand shop, for fear someone might think we're fakes.  I love the idea of getting nice looking LL Bean stuff or whatever at thrift stores so it will last.  I already do things like that.  It is good stewardship of our recourses.

God is the judge of all of us, we all deceive in our own way.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I'm not going to judge the heart, the character or the validity of someone who is working in Jesus' precious name.  I'd rather be deceived out of something that doesn't belong to me at all then to misjudge a brother or sister and possibly hurt or slander them.  This is where it does help to seek God's leading with where to share our gifts.  We must be so VERY careful in pointing our fingers.

Amen.  I thought this was worth repeating .  Wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

[andiki]

As a missionary, I just have to step in, and say...WAIT!  Before this becomes a bad rap for ALL missionaries.....

There has become such a negative thought about missionaries and honestly it feels like people treat us like we are on vacation or something.  We live in a highly volatile place in the ME and work harder than we have ever worked.  With the dropping dollar, there are so many of our friends around the world and here in the same profession that are struggling.  We also find ourselves struggling.

Instead of criticizing those who are fake, why not spend your energy seeking out some who are real, and have sacrificed EVERYTHING, being around family- kids w/ no grandparents around, freedom, owning any property, like a house, even the security of their own lives for the sake of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, which is so precious and worth every bit of "sacrifice" made.

I agree that there are some fake missionaries, and have even met some in the country we are in...but unfortunately, talking about the fake ones stirs up animosity towards all of us, even the genuine.

May the Lord lead you to some m's you can connect w/.

Joyfully His

All what you've said is true. Yes there are "fake" missionaries who only go to another country where dollar has a better value than in their own country and where there are no laws against child discipline or homeschooling or whatever else doesn't let you be like you wanna be in the US. I know some of them.  But like JoyfullyHis said there are also truly missionaries who are able to give their lives for the cause of Jesus and I know some of them, too.

My advise is like others said keep in touch with the missianries wçyou get to know and ask about their needs and what you can pray for. That could give you a clue 'bout their ministry. And as missionaries away from home, we really need someone who is behind us praying for us and keeping our friendships alive.

[andiki]

oh, and about if missionaries should or shouln't have commodities. God provides! I know missionaries here in Mexico who here they are rich because you know dollar is higher than pesos, but when they go to the States they aren't that rich. I've seen throughout my life that sometimes God blesses missionaries with things that maybe a coomon people couln't have but what about it? Is that a problem?? I don't think so. Unfortunately many people thinks that because you're a missionary you should live poorly. Sometimes it has to be that way, sometimes it doesn't but in any season and spite of the financial situation God lets you to be in, everything we have is because of Him and He has given it to us. If the missionary is focused on his ministry and you see them really working and giving up their lives I think that what they have or don't have shouln't be a problem.

Another thing. I said this "shouldn't b a problem" for those who are in the States. Because sometimes when a missionary has many things and a wealthy house and car, before you do something--being a missionary-- you have to think how could this affect the people I'm ministring to?? If this would be a barrier between them and the Gospel, you could have a more frugal lifestyle  even if you could have more.  All this to say that it all depends of the situation...

I hope I made myself clear...  It`'s what i've seen in my life

[KJB1611]

I agree with what you've said, those weren't the kind of people I was talking about.  I'm talking about ones that go around to churches saying that they can't afford this or that or the other, get a love offering from the church, and buy jet-skis, boats, name brand clothes etc with it because "they deserve the best".  Our family was always generous to missionaries...my dad would give them clothes and all sorts when they stated that as a need, and certain missionary families would turn it down saying that there was no way they were going to wear second hand clothes.  (There was NOTHING wrong with them...no stains, tears, nothing).  My dad said that all his kids wore secondhand clothes and he was giving what he could afford...he wasn't going to provide other people's (missionary) kids with brand new clothes when he couldn't afford them for his own kids.  As kids we'd go through and voluntarily give up some of our toys (and it was a sacrifice) just to have the missionary kids turn their noses up at them because they weren't new.  Our father was teaching us to be generous and we were glad to give up our toys, but it always hurt that we had made the sacrifice and the kids didn't want them.  We've known several missionary families like this.  These are the ones I think are the "fake" ones and ironically most of them "came off the field" quite quickly with no real reason given to their supporting churches.

That being said, I know many more totally awesome missionaries that I am truly thankful for!  I hope the bad, fake ones don't give the real ones a bad name either. 

[contentmomma]

I come from a background of being a missionary in Ecuador.  I understand the concern about fake missionaries.  However, we have the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us in all things, therefore pray and hear from the Lord on supporting anyone. 

Our family went to Ecuador using our home that we rented out to live on for most of our expenses.  We were told that in "our ministry" only "ordained pastors" go, (my DH wasn't), families shouldn't go( we had 4 children) and you needed guaranteed support(we didn't). We prayed and asked the Lord if we were to go, open the doors.  We had debt we knew needed to be paid off and figured if we somehow were able to do it we would get our finances in order first and leave next year(6mths) to minister with a couple already there from our ministry.  The next day my husband lost his job, and then 2 days later he was offered another at twice that his other job paid.  The debt was paid off in 4 months, with extra to apply for our family's passports, and every other "official" document the gov. wanted to move there.
We asked for support on a basis of give what you will, if you want.  The Lord moved people's hearts without ever hollering for the dollar or a missions board overseeing it.

We returned when we had enough funds to do so, and when we did we just spent time with whoever asked over for supper.  Our lives were open for others to see and scrutinize, but we watched the couple we were ministering with and felt something wrong in our spirits.  They wanted to make a third world country church and turn it into a state of the art high tech nightmare.  It was hard to continue when we were watching how they spent their money and ideas of promoting the ministry(not Christ), but we told no one and only prayed.  Now that couple has returned to the states and walked away from the faith.  The pastor was a man that knew the word of God and preached with thorough exegesis on most points, but what the Lord has shown us is that what is in the heart of a man will eventually come out.

We came home to the states before that couple left, because my husband felt he could no longer be associate pastor.  The Lord had put on his heart to turn his focus to his wife and children .  He felt the US needed missionaries more than any third world country at that point.  The people had been shown how to study the Bible and had elders appointed that were God fearing men, there was no one better to help the local people who were being corrupted by false doctrine and denominationalism. Our mission field is one right now to that of our children first, and then to others as the Lord leads. Ecuador did more for our relationship with Christ more than we ever affected those we ministered to. We would love to go overseas again and Lord willing we may someday, but for now we can all be missionaries to those the Lord has put in our path. 

Focusing on all the "bad missionaries" helps no one and only shows others the hypocrisy of religion and keeps the focus off of sharing the gospel.  IMO focusing on Christ first, praying for wisdom, and supporting someone as the Lord leads is a good way to prevent supporting someone you would feel is misrepresenting themselves.  Christ himself told the disciples to let those alone sharing the Gospel if they weren't against him they were for him.

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.   And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us. Luke 9:49-50

[andiki]

I'm talking about ones that go around to churches saying that they can't afford this or that or the other, get a love offering from the church, and buy jet-skis, boats, name brand clothes etc with it because "they deserve the best".  Our family was always generous to missionaries...my dad would give them clothes and all sorts when they stated that as a need, and certain missionary families would turn it down saying that there was no way they were going to wear second hand clothes.  (There was NOTHING wrong with them...no stains, tears, nothing).  My dad said that all his kids wore secondhand clothes and he was giving what he could afford...he wasn't going to provide other people's (missionary) kids with brand new clothes when he couldn't afford them for his own kids. 

I've always wore secondhand clothes!!    No problem at all, I think it's a way God has provide for us. 

Keep praying for those REAL MISSIONARIES! WE NEED YOU!

[jukic.zr]

Thank you for this.  I, too, am a missionary and have unfortunately fought to remove myself from this image.  Tragically, the image of the "fake missionary" has been picked up by the local people in this country due to those who have come with huge salaries, lived way above the normal standard, and yet do almost nothing at all.  In fact, I have all but stopped calling myself a missionary because the moment I use that word with local people they get this "knowing" look in their eye.

I do know what the author of this thread is talking about.  I have encountered many - it raises my hackels - to be honest.  And because of this, what you say is sadly true. Those of us who truly labor get painted with the same brush. 

But, then, anyone in ministry faces that.  I grew up in a pastor's home and had to fend off overly sensative people who thought ALL ministers were "in it for the money".  It's a lesson for us all - not to lump everyone together in the same basket.

As a missionary, I just have to step in, and say...WAIT!  Before this becomes a bad rap for ALL missionaries.....

There has become such a negative thought about missionaries and honestly it feels like people treat us like we are on vacation or something.  We live in a highly volatile place in the ME and work harder than we have ever worked.  With the dropping dollar, there are so many of our friends around the world and here in the same profession that are struggling.  We also find ourselves struggling.

Instead of criticizing those who are fake, why not spend your energy seeking out some who are real, and have sacrificed EVERYTHING, being around family- kids w/ no grandparents around, freedom, owning any property, like a house, even the security of their own lives for the sake of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, which is so precious and worth every bit of "sacrifice" made.

I agree that there are some fake missionaries, and have even met some in the country we are in...but unfortunately, talking about the fake ones stirs up animosity towards all of us, even the genuine.

May the Lord lead you to some m's you can connect w/.

Joyfully His

[Titus2woman]

I don't know if this fits here or not.  I LOVE MISSIONARIES!  I myself wanted to be one, but it's not my darling's vision.  Maybe I'll raise a few?  ~smile~  The  only negative I have come across is prejudice.  I'm not quite sure how a missionary can be effective with such condescending views of the people they are trying to help?  Anyway.  That's my .02~and truly in my heart nou for the purpose of dumping on missionaries.  (((((HUGS)))))  sandi

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