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

When Linda and I were planning to join WEC, we were the first believers in our respective families. Our parents did not want us to go overseas for a lot of reasons. Many others suggested we should stay to witness to our families, which we had already been doing.

We knew what God wanted. We really felt we could not say, "God, I won't do what you want me to do, so now will you please do what I want and save my family." We went to Guinea-Bissau where we were in an 8,000 square mile area where there had never been a resident Christian witness. While there we prayed regularly for our families and in our letters (pre email days) we shared what God was doing in the lives of those coming to Jesus. Our parents had not wanted to talk about Jesus, but they eagerly read our letters, especially when we mentioned their granddaughter.

Fast forward years later. God brought us back to America, and we were able to lead two of our parents to the Lord, and indirectly help the other two. We also saw siblings converted. In fact there is only one still outside the fold.

Bottom line: When we are concerned with God's concerns, He takes care of ours.

Going to the missions field and leaving home can be a huge ministry to the ones you leave at home. They will see the reason you are leaving- the Glory of God. It is also important to follow God's direction and will for your life so that your family can see the reason for the hope you have in Christ, that you are alive and living for Him.

Even if your family is against you entering the field, pray for their hearts to be softened to the idea and that they may see and understand salvation through your obedience to God. Be certain that they understand this is not something you are doing to make others proud, but for the name and renown of Christ, and the love for the people God has placed on your heart to serve as a missionary.

It is true that people who have not trusted Christ for salvation exist in families of believers and even in regions or nations that have a large percentage of believers. In this context, unbelievers have access to the gospel -- they can and often do hear about Jesus, but do not receive him. It is also true that in a given culture, there may be only one believer for every 10,000 unbelievers with no witnessing fellowships, churches or otherwise. In this context, the gospel is much, much less accessible. The book, Operation World, is a great resource for discovering the accessibility of the gospel around the world.

Practically speaking, if you are considering missions, you are hopefully sharing Jesus in some way with the unbelievers who are in your circle of family and friends. To be sure, it would be strange for a person to go into missions without first sharing Christ with those who are closest.

Personally speaking, as our family prepares to give up our culture and our ways, we know that the Lord is working and moving in the lives of unbelieving family and friends. While we have shared Christ with our loved ones, we can not make them know or embrace the truth. But we can continue to live obediently and follow the example and commands of Christ. As you pursue missions, trust the Lord to bring his good work to completion as you live a life that seeks to bring glory to him, wherever you are.