PK's and MK's
There are things in this life that are embarrassing, but it seems especially annoying when you are guilty by association. There are things that others have ruined for us. Hence some of the laws on the books, attitudes of people towards a certain age, or race, etc. One of those things are children of preachers and missionaries. Though there are many who joke about it, it appears that the jokes have a lot of truth in them. I don't mean to say ALL kids of ministers are bad. I know many who have done a great job "at home" as well as in ministry! But some of the great preachers of our time have only "shame" when it comes to the home life. It's interesting that Paul specifically "required" an orderly family of those who would desire to be an elder. Isn't funny how often those who should have the best kids...don't. It's like the mechanic with the broken down car in the drive way or the fat aerobics instructor. I know I mention this often, but I come to you again asking for prayers. My children are young and Barb and I have made an effort, but we know we need God's help to raise children that will glorify Him! Please take a moment and say a special prayer for the Gary family. Pray God would protect our children from evil, He would unite us as a family and that I could be a good husband and father!
About Me
- Leon Mission Effort
- This website is dedicated to the Lord's work in Leon, GTO in general, but specifically the lives and ministry of the Gary family.
4 comments:
Thanks for your post. We will keep your family in our prayers. I was a MK and was also a PK. I think I have a good perspective on this subject. There are a couple of things I'd like to note. Take, or leave them, they are my impressions.
1. One of the reasons I am NOT in full-time paid ministry is because I observed my dad in ministry and decided I didn't want any part of headache that comes from having your livelihood tied to your ministry. That is me. God has not seen fit to give me the patience or compassion to deal with the special circumstances you get put in.
2. I was, for a time, a typical PK. I had my share of troubles. By God's grace and good people (my parents included in the "good people" category) I grew past my issues/troubles.
3. I think one of the driving reasons you see MKs and PKs end up like they do is because of absent fathers. I'm not talking about divorce but the ministering father usually has a mistress and that mistress is his work and the church he ministers. My perception growing up was that the "church" was more important or had precedence over family. When we would go fishing, it was with people he was ministering to... When we would go do things as a family it was usually because there was some ministry attached to it. What makes good ministers often times becomes a detriment to being a good father. (I should add the disclaimer that I have friends that had WAY worse parents than I did and WAY worse to overcome and they turned out to be God loving people as well - It all comes down to the child's decision to go their own way despite the hand life has dealt them.)
My perception... ministers that are also good parents make a conscious decision to put their family before their ministry. You CAN turn off your phone. You CAN do things with JUST your family. You CAN spend time with JUST your kids without some hidden, or ulterior ministerial agenda. You DON'T have to be there every time the door is open. Make sure that family time is just and only that... Family Time.
Love you man and I love that you struggle with this. God can find someone to take up the slack in your ministry, but He can't find someone to replace you as "Dad". Remember that.
J
Great words of wisdom. Thanks for your insight. I'm always willing to receive anything you've got for me brother! Barb and I are striving to continue to grow in this area! msg
I know i am family but I think your kids are great kids! They all have great hearts. Keep up the good work!
Garys.. Your kids WILL be kids - and will be great ones - whether they are raised on the mission field, or in a mainstream American culture. Mainly because it is evident you spend time with them - as individuals, as a family and just as a group who loves to have fun. Barb - you teach so much - in the normal house environment - that I don't see so much here in the US. Because you DO strive to have the everyday lifestyle for your family, and because you DO keep everything kingdom focused, you are so much ahead of what I see here in this backyard. I wish as many "good 'ole American families" had the same perspective. You are an inspiration to me - in so many ways, and I love all 5 of you!
Post a Comment