Questions about Family And Single Life Overseas

Heading overseas brings up a lot of questions about marriage (or what you need to know as a single) and about parenting. Grab a chair: Missionaries answer your concerns about family and singleness

Managing Marriage Roles

See also “Apprehensive Parents” under Singles/Family

Questions Singles Have

What perspective should I take toward serving in missions as a single person?

“Both singleness and marriage have rewards and challenges; either way,...

Should I, as a single person, go overseas now, or should I first find a mate?

“Go as a single, knowing God himself will supply your...

Should I consider a relationship with a future missionary who wants to serve in a different country from the one I’m interested in?

“Yes, but work toward a common vision.” Don’t abandon someone...

If you go to another country as a single and decide to get married to someone you meet there, would that be a problem?

“It could be a great problem, or a great opportunity.”...

I am a single mother. Which missions agencies would consider accepting me as a missionary?

“Look for an option that allows you to do justice...

How important is it that the person you’re dating has the same call to missions as you?

“Depends on how sure you are.” Though dating was not...

How do singles deal with loneliness and isolation overseas?

“Enjoy time alone with God and intentionally build same-sex friendships.”...

Are single women missionaries accepted in third-world countries? Married women without children?

“Single women are accepted as missionaries.” I am single and...

What if my parents oppose me becoming a missionary?

“Help them see the positive side of missions.” Ask God...

Can I become a missionary even though my family still has unbelievers?

“Maintain a relationship with them, but trust God with timing...

Can I become a missionary even if my parents still need my assistance at home?

“Following Jesus is the most important.” I think that is...

What questions should a couple ask each other before deciding to go into full-time missions overseas?

“Promise of a counselor, mentor and prayer” I think you...

What are some of the challenges moms face overseas?

“Here are three challenges I faced overseas.” 1. Loneliness: I...

My spouse wants to be a missionary and I do not. How have other married couples with differing desires made their decision?

“If it’s God’s plan, he will work out each concern.”...

My husband and I both feel called to missions, but we still have struggles in our lives and marriage. Can God still use us in missions or is this something we have to overcome first?

“Wait, and get some good counseling.” I would strongly advise...

I am about to get married. Should we spend our first year together in our home country or on the missions field?

“Wait a bit!” Most agencies will require at least a...

How can I interest my children in becoming missionaries in the future, and even prepare them to do so?

Immerse them in interaction with internationals! Want to raise up...

What can I expect to be difficult about raising small children on the field?

“Here are three things we’ve learned while parenting on the...

If we move overseas, what can we do about our children’s education?

“Examine all the options with your mission agency.” Our mission...

How do missionaries deal with pregnancy? When they get pregnant, do they come home or have the baby overseas?

Shortly after we had made the decision to move to...

How can I prepare my children for moving to the mission field?

“Little by little, and make it fun!” Expose them to...

Can a couple with small children make it to the field?

“Yes. It’s easier to go when your kids are young.”...

Resistance from Older Children

See also “Apprehensive Parents” under Singles/Family

What if my teenage kids don’t want to move to the mission field?

Take a scouting trip with your teens.” Moving teenagers can...

My grown children are not walking with the Lord. Is it right for me to leave them behind to go to the mission field?

“Put them in God’s hands completely, and let go.” This...

I’ve been told it’s unwise to move your family into missions while children were in or near their teen years. What is the ideal age to move children? Are there any ages commonly not recommended?

“Any age is the ideal age.” God’s calling can be...

Can I become a missionary if my adult children still need me nearby?

“Maybe yes, maybe no.” This depends on several factors. If...