My Interview with a Missionary to Central Asia

Dictionary.com defines a missionary as: a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work. While the definition of a missionary can be different from person to person, I believe that every Christian who lives their life for the Lord to be a missionary. Whether you are directly or indirectly in the mission field, a life liven for the Lord should be full of mission work. Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ's redeeming power should be on the top of every Christians to do list.

I have a friend who is a full-time missionary to a county in Central Asia. While living in a closed country this missionary has given her time and efforts to leading the nation's people to a redeeming relationship with the Lord. Language barriers, government and misunderstanding are all some obvious obstacles a missionary must overcome when working in a foreign mission field. I had some questions about missions in Central Asia, and this is an article of my questions and my missionary friend's answers.

I first wondered what made this person decide to enter the full-time mission field. She simply stated that she felt that is where God was leading her in her life. While she didn't necessarily intend to stay long-term, she hit the soil and knew she had a future in Central Asia. She has since been in and out of the country for the past three years. Doors have been opened and closed all the while and she just continues to go where she feels God is leading her.

I then wondered what her favorite part of mission work was. Seeing that she loved her work, there were obviously some things that she thoroughly enjoyed and I wanted to know what they were. She returned by saying that her favorite thing has been discipling new believer. Seeing the excitement and the love for the Lord that encouraged her as well. She said one other favorite experience of hers was visiting the patients at a local mental hospital. Joining in a meal with these patients who are often considered the "least of these" in the country and feeding them made her feel as though she was offering a cold glass of water to Jesus.
I also asked what her least favorite part was of her mission work. She said all the meetings about what they are planning and trying to do. She also said mission work can be very difficult because many people come for a short time, and they grow very close. Then the Lord will call them somewhere else, or their time is done and they are gone again. She also stated that keeping relationships healthy can be very difficult. The conditions can be very stressful and tiring. Working closely with a small team of people requires constant teamwork, and when the unity is not complete, it takes a toll on everyone.

I also had wondered how one would deal with the culture shock and difference associated between the United States and Central Asia. She said the best way she had found to deal with it was to get away from the culture. Fellowshipping with other American's or going to a park where there are not many people helped her escape the turmoil of the foreign nation. Praying and writing are both great ways to escape the culture.

I then asked what the biggest difference she had noticed between the cultures was. She said they are very different, but one big thing she noticed was the emphasis they have on hospitality. The love to invite people in and go out of their way to feed them and make them comfortable, even if it means they will go without. According to their culture they are required to lay down a high level of hospitality for even a complete stranger. The also have a very high emphasis on shame. They never want to feel they are shamed by anyone else. This keeps everyone motivated for good behavior. Doing wrong, dressing weirdly, or saying anything bad can bring shame, so it is not done. In America, kids are getting in trouble all the time and do not worry about the shame it brings to them or to their family.

I of course had to ask what she missed most about home while she is away. Her answer was true and true for many missionaries in the foreign mission field. She said her family and friends. Ranking next was the convenience of the American culture. The faithful promise of electricity, water, and heat is all exceptional in America. Driving, freedom, coffee shops and the simple things we have in America are much more appreciated after she has been in Asia for some time. Even though they lack some of the common conveniences we have in America, she says living in Central Asia is pretty cool, so it's all a give and take idea, where she feels she gets the best of both worlds.

We have a lot to thank our missionaries for. They work very hard devoting their life to spreading the Word of God to those who have not heard it. Having a heart for the lost is a gift that we should all try to acquire and make a conscious effort to be constantly showing the love of God to all who are around us, whether in our home town, or across the seas.