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Family STM Anyone?

Ele Parrott, MissionNext

Thinking of taking your family on a short-term trip overseas? Good for you!! A short-term trip needs prayer, thought…and a lot more!! 

As a mother of four, a missionary who served the Lord in four countries with those four and a passionate Christ-follower myself, it’s good to hear of families that want to “go there” with the fam. So, Dad and Mom, you’re on an adventure yourself! In stepping into another culture, even for a few days or weeks or months…you need to prepare yourselves as well as get those kiddos ready! For, this is no “glorified vacation” you’re thinking about… this is partnering with the Holy Spirit in your lives, your kid’s lives and in those with whom you will be interacting!!

Yikes!! More than you bargained for in your thinking? Good! That means you’re serious about helping to prepare your kids. That means you are willing to see just how prepared you are as well…or not… If you will allow me a few minutes of your time, let me share, in bullet form, some ideas that might be of help.

The Banner over all of this is PRAYER….so, let’s get started!!

1. KNOW YOUR CHILDREN, each one, as individuals

  • Take into account your child’s age and gender
  • Ask yourselves the following questions for each child:
  • What is your child’s personality trait? Strengths? Weaknesses?
  • How does your child best learn?
  • Is your child an introvert/extrovert?
  • Of what is your child fearful?
  • What abilities/talents does your child have?
  • How does your child make friends?
  • What physical traits help/impede your child?
  • What medical conditions help/impede your child?
  • How does your child deal with stress?

Then PRAY over your kids. TALK with your kids IN CONTEXT of who THEY are. That’s a huge part in getting them ready to maximize their time “over there…”

2. THE BEFORE….you go….

  • Involve your child in the process!!!
  • Have them find aspects of the country/people group that are a bit different such as…
    • What roles do animals play in this culture?
    • What are the weather patterns? Rainy season? Desert?
    • Find and then teach the national dance
    • Have them shop for and prepare the national dish (and then compare it when you’re ‘there!”)
    • What is the acceptable dress code for kids their age?
    • What is the current hairstyle?
    • What is the role of tats, piercings?
    • What are some ‘slang’ words the kids ‘there’ use (that are acceptable, of course!!)

3. Then, have your kids share what they have found or made with others!!

  • Invite your kids’ friends over beforehand to experience and enjoy some of the above. In other words, prepare a meal for their friends, learn the national dance, greet each other as they do there…etc…  Make a party of it!! Make it memorable and fun, so that, when you return, their friends here will want to hear about it and see their fun photos and videos!
  • Make clear to your kids what YOU will be doing while “there.” Ask them how they would like to be involved in that or in their own “outreach”.
  • Have each of your kids figure out how they can contribute while “there” and then plan for that. For example, if they sing or play an instrument have them prepare a song or two to share while ‘there.’  Or, if they are creative, have them make something to gift to others. If they’re into sports, have them prepare moves or part of the game so that they have something of interest to offer that doesn’t require the language.  Throw out the challenge! Help them succeed in their personal prep!!
  • Make sure each of your kids knows how to pray and how to SHARE JESUS with others. Practice! Memorize verses such as John 3:16. PREPARE YOUR KIDS SPIRITUALLY!

Well, there’s a start for you, Dad and Mom. You are on a FASCINATING JOURNEY and it begins RIGHT NOW! HERE! In your home!! TOGETHER as a family.

Remember, start with PRAYER….get praying…keep praying…if you’re uncomfortable praying yourself, ask The Holy Spirit to help you…pray with your kids, out loud for where you will be going…and, when you return…KEEP PRAYING for them…..

And… remember to debrief your kids when you return…..you are partnering with The Holy Spirit in the lives of your kids…do your part well….

Ele Parrott, B.C.B.C.

Wife of 52 years to Don Parrott

Mother of four adult children

“Nona” to 9 grandchildren, 21-6

Author of “Transforming Together” a Moody Press release

Lead of “Women Connecting” at New Hope Fellowship

Workshop Presenter at MissionConnexion Southwest