Real-Life Decision Making
You entered the field of missionary work for two reasons: travel, and to
spread God's word. You have taken two years of theology classes at the state
Bible college and led your hometown's youth group for close to
three years.
When it comes to knowledge about Christianity, you feel qualified. That,
combined with the communication skills you have developed through working
with the youth, makes you feel you are ready to do some missionary work away
from home.
You are given an assignment to go to a small village in Nigeria in three
months. This gives you enough time to arrange all of the necessary paperwork,
get immunizations and settle things at home.
You have read reports from people who have been or are currently working
in Nigeria, and are thrilled to find out that it is exactly how you imagined
it might be. You do as much research as you can on the village that you are
going to so that you can be prepared.
You are excited about going, but frightened by the leaving. You have to
leave a familiar situation to go to an unfamiliar one.
It's more than just going from one geographical place to another -- you
will be going to a completely different culture.
As well, your father has been ill with heart disease for two months now.
You have to accept the risk that something serious may happen to his health
while you are in Nigeria. You would not be able to leave quickly enough to
be home to be with him if his illness became critical.
You also couldn't afford to return home until your duty is complete one
year from the day you go. Your family would understand, but would miss you
if your father's health problems became serious.
What do you do?