My parents don't want me to go!

[mrpaginini]

hey girl, i feel your pain. been there actually. i am shamelessly promoting this new book (i think it is new) on missions and there is a chapter "for clammy-handed parents" - check out the website. i laughed when i read that.

http://www.getreadyformissions.com

[Mandapanda]

When I was in college, I wanted to go on a mission trip. My parents did not want me to go because a missionary was killed in the same place a year before. Since my parents are not religious, I could not approach them with prayer.

In the end, I had a very frank discussion with them. I pointed out that how long you lived was not important. I told them that how you lived your life every day was the important thing. I also pointed out that I could easily be hit by a bus tomorrow and not need to go to a foreign country to die (I would not recommend this approach; it hit a little to close to home for them).

In the end, they were still nervous and scared about me going on the trip, but after a mature discussion, they were able to see my point of view. My parents became my biggest supporters and even defended my decision.

I would recommend going with your parents' blessing. It will be so much easier for you. Try to have a frank discussion with them. Tell them how you feel and explain how badly you want to go. Acknowledge their concerns; they are probably very valid ones. By showing that type of maturity and compassion towards your parents feelings, you may be able to get their blessing. They may not want you to go, but they might support your decision to go. Trust me - it is a huge weight off your shoulders.

[maresha]

The purpose of going on a mission's trip is to share the gospel. However, it is important to be obedient to your parents and trust that their decision is best. Jesus also faced this decision when he stayed behind at the temple while his parents journeyed ahead. When his parents realized he was not with them they retraced their steps back to the temple and asked Jesus to continue the journey with them. Although Jesus said he must be about His father's business he submitted to the will of His parents. Just like I would suggest you follow Jesus model. Recognize that right where you are - are opportunities to share the gospel. For example, my organization Abundant Life Orphanages www.abundantlifeorphanages.com has a Pen Pal Exchange that matches classrooms in America with classrooms in Northern Uganda where children in 4th grade & 8th grade can share the gospel in writing, art, music, drama, dance and sports. Another organization that has been awesome in training me and my staff in Northern Uganda is Child Evangelism Fellowship (cefonline.com). As you honor your parents, God will provide opportunities for you to share the gospel. In fact, you have an open forum that you just entered your request on where you can share the gospel around the world. In closing, thank you for your passion to share the gospel in Jesus name!
_________________
Maresha Johnson-Ddamulira

[ssmith]

I am 15 and in the ninth grade. I've wanted to go on a mission trip for a few years now. I asked my parents about it and my mom was all for it, but my dad was not so enthusiastic. I know that obeying God means to obey my parents, but I have gotten two different answers. I don't know if God wants me to let the subject drop and listen to my dad, or continue to pursue it and listen to my mom. Advice, please?