Layers

All of us have layers. Some of our layers can be removed faster than others and some layers are so conformed to the person that they can never be removed. When you meet someone you immediately learn a few things about them, their family, or where they hale from. The more time that passes, you learn the foods they detest and what quirks bother them. All of those things make that person unique and you love them for all of those things. After a great amount of time, you know the questions to ask and they understand that you love them and they shed layers faster and more trust is built.

Recently, we traveled to the capital city to spend time with our mission family. The few times that we all have the opportunity to spend a good amount of time with one another, the time flies and our heads are spinning because our hearts and "cups" are overflowing because of the great fellowship.

The physical distance between friends on the mission field can make removing tender layers more difficult. We have to be more intentional about emailing, calling, or texting one another to build the relationships during the time that we are apart and be able to be open and honest with one another about our struggles. During our most recent visit with our mission family I was able to see how unique, sweet, and special this time can be when we truly take the time to invest in those relationships. I truly felt like the relationships with fellow missionaries was so strong, intimate, and layer removing.

Many times missionaries can be seen as warriors with an armor of steel that cannot be penetrated. But that armor can become weak and layers removed when our children are sick; our living conditions cause our spirits to grow weary; when our family back home is struggling; when children are having grandbabies; when grown children are unemployed; and when our family here on the field with us is facing challenges.

People many times pray a blanket prayer, "God bless the missionaries!" As a missionary and after spending quality time with many missionaries and peeling back a few layers; here are some things that you can pray for. These are the prayers that you will hear need to be lifted up on their behalf.
Pray for them from the outside in:
Pray for their family back home and the challenges that they may face being separated.

Pray for the nation and people group that they are called to serve.

Pray for perserverance with the struggles and frustrations of daily life (lack of water, electricity, and food supplies).

Pray for the family that is living under their roof. Pray that they will not allow Satan to get a foothold in their marriages or in their relationship with their children. Satan knows if he can destroy a marriage then he has won and the Gospel is delayed in reaching that area that they have been called to.

Pray for their personal walk with the Lord. Pray that they will not grow weary in maturing in their faith. Pray that they will be diligent in their personal study and be encouraged!

May we all as the body of Christ be willing to spend time with one another investing in one another in order that layers may be removed, hearts revealed, and we may be able to enter the Throne of Grace with confidence on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else . . . May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones."  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13