LESSONS LEARNED

It is helpful for me to reflect on what I (hope) I have learned during our “missionary” career. Some thoughts (even if trivial) may also be helpful to others:

• Remember that God does not provide a plan or a script for you to read: for us, it was a good thing because we might have been frightened to go forward

• Unexpected events are part of His plan and should not be rejected: it is hard to accept and not react negatively when “our” plans change

• Be aware and accept the people and places who are part of His plan: often they are not those we would have expected

• Enjoy His plan, even when difficult: this is possible through faith that what we hope for will be done according to God’s will.

• Accept new and sometimes daunting opportunities: even when we don’t think we are capable of the job, God will be our strength in weakness

• Keep a journal on how God has worked in your life: it will be something to review with joy and wonderment

• Be prepared spiritually: learn your Bible

• Be prepared to learn another language: learn some linguistics

• Be prepared to learn another culture: learn some anthropology

• Pray at “all times,” especially for direction: God will remind us often during the day (or night) of things we should pray about

• Remember prayers that he has answered: rejoice and be thankful that God hears us

• Remember that answers to prayers are sometimes delayed: the heavenly timetable does not run according to our clock

• Remember that answers to your prayers may be different than what you expected: you will have to review carefully what God is doing

• Read and reflect upon the Word of God daily: there always something new to learn

• Be generous even when you don’t think you have much: God obviously loves to see us give without reservation

• Always be thankful—never be proud: C S Lewis saw pride as the greatest sin

• Laugh and enjoy the humor of life: it is a truism that laughter is good medicine.

• Speak the vernacular of the people: it may mean learning a new language

• Understand the culture of the people: it may mean putting yourself in “awkward” situations

• Make friends with people who are “different” than you: remember, you are also different

• Stay with people who are “different” than you: hospitality is not confined to what you like or are used to

• Share meals with people: eating and fellowshipping is a wonderful way to get to know people

• Give gifts to people: even when they don’t expect it

• Always be ready to speak about your faith: opportunities are often available, but we pass over them

• Never be ashamed of your faith: especially when talking to those of other faiths

• Give God the glory for your “accomplishments”: it is God who gives you the ability

• If married, demonstrate a relationship of respect and love: a beautiful example of Christ and the church

• If parents, demonstrate mercy and grace: they need it often, just as you did

• If grandparents, tell stories of value: stories represent life experiences

• Remember and respect your parents and grandparents: the old should not be forgotten

• Try to separate what you want from what you need: you will always want more

• God will not give you all you want: He knows how to protect you from folly and foolishness

• God will provide all that you need: we do not need as much as we want

• Report on your work faithfully: those who help you need to know what you are doing and why their help is worthwhile

• Don’t exaggerate about your work: missionaries have a tendency to tell wild stories

• Don’t beg for anything: God know your needs and if you have to beg for something perhaps God does not want you to have it

• Always be thankful: it will add years to your life!

  
  
  
  

  Karl Franklin