Conversation from October of 1985
Nancy: Perry I think we got an important letter from Wesleyan Missions. It’s on the table and it has both of our names on it. Do you want to read it now or wait until after the boys are in bed?
Perry: Let’s read it now.
Pause
Perry: Wow. I didn’t expect this. I thought for sure we would be going to the Philippines.
Nancy: Especially after the chance you had to go and get acquainted with the missionaries, the national leaders and the work being done.
Perry: Not just that but they have given us three options to consider. So they really do want us to go, just not where we expected to go.
Nancy: Good thing we read it now. It will give each of a chance to pray and think about the options.
Later that night
Nancy: The boys are in bed and sound asleep.
Perry: Nancy I am still processing this letter. After so many years of waiting and preparing it is finally happening. We have been accepted and they want us to go. And we have options.
Nancy: Such different parts of the world. Africa, South America, and South Pacific. So how do we choose?
Perry: Let’s read it through again and look at each one and the information they have shared with us about them. The first one is Papua New Guinea.
Nancy: Perry I don’t really want to go there. It’s just seems to strange for me. I remember watching a National Geographic movie about the people and all I can remember is people with sticks in their noses, lips, and strangely painted faces. I don’t think this is a place where I be comfortable.
Perry: Okay, the next one is Brazil.
Nancy: Actually, it says Fortaleza, Brazil and the work is to help develop a Bible school for training pastors. Sounds interesting.
Perry: Yes, it does. But to be honest, I have never felt called to South America. That may be a result of my trip to Kenya when I was 21. While I was in Kenya my grandfather became ill. By the time I was able to get to a phone he had died, and my father had already returned home from the funeral. It was quite a shock to find myself so far away from home at that moment. I felt lost and confused. That night I decided to go outside and think. It was a beautiful clear African night. The sky was incredible and filled with so many stars. As I stood there asking God why, what did it mean, I felt such a peace in my heart. Then I heard him speak. I can’t explain it but it was so clear. He asked me one question, “will you serve me in Africa?” At that moment I understood what it meant to be a missionary, to leave family, and the peace God would give me to face those changes. I said “yes.” In that moment, the call I received as a child was confirmed and I knew one day I would come back to Africa.
Nancy: That is the third option in the letter. It is not Kenya, but you said God asked if you would serve in Africa and Sierra Leone is in Africa.
Perry: Yes, it appears God is reminding me of my answer when I was in Kenya.
Nancy: Yes, and for me this is an answer to some of my concerns about the unknown. We have already learned so much about Sierra Leone through our contacts with the Kindes and others we have met.
Perry: And based on the letter and information they have provided us about the work and our role, it seems like this is where they would prefer that we go.
Nancy: Perry, I think this is where we should go. The K’s returned to Sierra Leone last year, so we will already have friends there. They will be able to help us deal with all the changes and so much more.
Perry: It will make the transition so much easier.
Nancy: To be honest, knowing they are there and can help us has eased my fears and made the unknown a little easier to face. I am learning that when we are willing, God will prepare what we need to go where He calls.
Perry: I will write our response right now and I will talk to Dr. Harris about meeting with the church board to let them know about the letter and our decision.
Nancy: Thank you Lord for all you have done to teach Perry and me to hear your call and obey. Thank for this letter and the opportunity it will give to serve you.
Perry: Amen
When God gives you options how will you know which is the right one to choose?