DEBBIE MESSENGER left this comment and I thought it worthy of a POST... some good questions here... any candidates out there that would like to apply for developing world territories?? This raises not only the 'called' question but also the capacity or 'drain' on developing world for resources... I wonder if host territories would pay the bill for their 'people' to be trained in the places they feel called... that would be even better than a month course on cross cultural mission - to be trained in the same territory as one of the 'cadets' would be a great equipping for a life of service there... hmmmm. any takers??
here's Debbie's comments on WorldWide training options:I find it intriguing that people would apply where they 'feel called'!
I am currently appointed in the Philippines, I felt I was being called to Africa but God knew better and I LOVE my second home! I doubt many people would want to put their hand up to train here though, not because the training is any less... the OTC is fantastic, intense training from qualified leaders and there are many incredible opportunities for service!
Yet, when Commissioned you would be one of the lucky ones to live on $35 a week, you could possibly be given an appointment where you only receive 50% of that allowance and you could have a home smaller than your current bedroom with no bathroom, electricity or running water... I wonder if anyone is feeling 'called' to study here and become and officer in this country (or many others with similar circumstances)?
I have a question based on your blog entry. What places are people feeling called to train and serve in, if not their own country? Are they the 'comfy' countries where all the grants and allowances are available? I may be totally 'off base', this is purely a question of interest.
I am humbled daily by the sacrifices of my fellow officers, I am challenged over and over by the commitment of those I serve alongside, I don't write these words to lessen the commitment of anyone in ANY country, but just wonder if we are really willing to give up basic needs so we can serve where we 'are called'?
Debbie
3 comments:
Thanks Debbie/Danielle.
Our sense of call is inevitably impregnated with varying measures of subjectivity, which need to be tested, challenged and channelled. But as we love and trust God, we can be confident that He works out His will in and through us.
As part of that love and trust, I think it is essential that we retain an attitude of willingness to serve the Lord anywhere and everywhere … from Buckingham Palace to the Bronx. This may sound very idealistic, but I’m convinced it is vital to the out-working of God’s will in our lives.
‘Here I am, wholly available,
As for me I will serve the Lord.’
We will then be able to say (and know):-
‘Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where he needs me, there would I be,
And since He found me, by love He’s bound me,
To serve him joyfully.’
If the training systems could be as flexible as the willingness to serve wherever, then I’m sure this would be all to the better.
Regards – Bernard.
I wonder if the "system" is up to such a shock. Currently, because of the "great need" for officers in some affluent territories, there is a reluctance to even allow commissioned officers to leave. If a potential candidate uttered such a desire, even if clothed in God's will, I doubt they would be released.
I heard a CO comment once that corps ought to "tithe" their best soldiers to full time ministry in the same respect that we are to tithe our best or first fruits. If such a mentality were to be enacted upon on a larger scale, I dare say the perceived "great need" would diminish.
God called me to the SA to be an Officer, & to serve in Russia, befroe the work re-commenced. I didn't - got married, served as Officers for a few years,now out because of health reasons - mainly my husband's. How I wish I'd been true to MY OWN calling, & trusted God to make it possible in His time. Now it's impossible to go back.
Post a Comment