Prepared to Let Go: A Legacy of Obedience
Growing up, Lisa remembers being fascinated by missionaries and their global ministries.
When missionaries came to visit her church on Sunday nights, she remembers being one of the only kids or teenagers who was excited to hear their stories and see their photo slides.
“I just remember the Lord would always stir something in my heart. I was usually in tears, and I was so excited to hear their stories,” she recalled.
She found her way to Bible college and majored in theology, entering into life-long ministry. But even though she felt called to the mission field, she didn’t receive support from family and friends. The doors to serve globally seemed to keep closing.
Understandably, this created confusion and discouragement – “maybe this isn’t my call after all”, she thought.
After getting married and having her own children, she and her husband prioritized teaching their four kids about global missions.
“[I thought] I don’t know if I missed my call because I didn’t go. I never, ever want the kids to be afraid if God calls them to that,” she said.
Lisa and her husband, both serving as pastors, homeschooled their children and made an effort to teach them about the countries represented by missionaries who’d be visiting their church. They would even teach their kids how to ask good questions.
“We had practice sessions at home because I wanted to teach them how to communicate with missionaries and ask good questions,” she said with a laugh.
It wasn’t long before her daughter Molly*, at twelve years old, started discerning a call to the global mission field.
Initially, though excited that God had put a tenderness in her heart, Lisa assumed Molly* would go on a missions trip someday and didn’t press her further.
But when Molly* came out of her bedroom crying, telling Lisa “I’ve been called to the mission field, and nobody’s helping me get there,” she realized it was the real deal. The Lord had called her to serve globally.
Molly* went on to study Global Studies, Cultural Studies and Missions in college, and Lisa said she’ll never forget receiving the phone call, when Molly* told her “I’ve been called to minister to Muslim people. Does that scare you?”
Lisa said she was quick to tell Molly* that it would scare her more if she didn’t obey God – and assured her that God is big enough to take care of her mom’s heart.
Lisa said it was in that moment God clearly spoke to her – “The call I put on your heart was never for you. It was going to be for your daughter. I’ve prepared you for 40 years to let her go.”
So seldom do we get to see that glimpse of what God is orchestrating behind the scenes, Lisa said, and it’s thrilling to see how God had been working in her life during the 40 years leading up to that moment. Not only did the Lord prepare her to release Molly* without any hesitancy, He prepared her to be joyful, encouraging and supportive of her daughter every step along the way.
Molly* and her husband have been serving in The Balkans with their two children since June, and on a good day or bad, she has her parents, siblings and church cheering them on, covering them in prayer and affirming God’s calling on their lives.
If your child feels like God might be leading them toward global service, you may not have all of the answers or the big picture yet, but give it some time. Lisa encourages others “don’t be quick with the no’s.” Teach your children to hear God’s voice, and encourage them to say “yes” when He calls them to do hard things.
*Name has been changed due to security guidelines. The Balkans refers to a Global Partners field in Europe.