This week is Global Missions Week here at SEBTS, and we wanted to focus on global missions on the blog as well! Today you have the privilege to hear from Lesley Hildreth. Lesley has much experience overseas, and uses her experience and wisdom to teach and encourage the ladies here at SEBTS. Read her post below to learn a little more about what wives go through while serving overseas, and take a moment to pray for our families serving overseas.
After
leaving the mission field over six years ago one of my greatest desires has
been to equip other women who are preparing to go. As a guest lecturer for
Southeastern's Biblical Women's Institute's degree program I have taught a
course called Preparing For Missions for the past five years. It has been both
an honor and privilege to encourage, equip, and pray for these women. Once the
students are overseas they are required to meet in a central location in order
to take two classes to fulfill their International Church Planting Degree.
While the students are in class Southeastern provides a program for their wives
and childcare is provided by volunteers from local churches in the states. I
have been fortunate to be able to travel and spend time with these women and
always walk away with new insights and ways to pray more specifically for their
needs. After my most recent trip to Taiwan this past January I thought that it
would be helpful to others to know how to pray more effectively and
specifically for these wives serving overseas. If one has not personally spent
time overseas it can be difficult to not only understand the needs of those
serving the nations but to know what to pray.
Here
are some common issues these wives are facing daily and a little bit of insight
into what that could mean for some of them. I hope you will find this both
informative and helpful as you encourage and bless these women and others
serving the nations.
LANGUAGE
LEARNING/BALANCING ROLES:
The
first year or two on the field is spent learning another language. Most of our
wives are not only full time language students learning very difficult
languages but are also mothers seeking to balance their many roles without
feeling like they are failing at one or more in order to succeed at another.
Without language a person can not function in society or engage with people.
This will eventually lead to discontentment and more importantly the missionary
is unable to accomplish the very thing they went for: to share the gospel
message to those who have not heard.
*Some
verses to consider praying for them: Phil. 4:11, Eph. 5:21-6:4, and Psalm 23)
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Phil. 4:11
HEALTH
ISSUES:
Health
issues are sometimes brought on by stress, caused by the new environment (food
or new germs), or illnesses that are not related to anything new but are simply
a normal part of life. In each case these issues create anxiety and fear as
missionaries seek to just feel well/normal again. For moms with young children
who experience a lot of sickness in the first year or two or develop a new
health issue while on the field can bring a tremendous amount of stress on a
family. In some areas that the wives are serving going to a doctor who speaks
and/or understands English is not an option. In some areas the medical care
available is not adequate and families may need to travel long distances for
care or even consider relocating for prolonged care. This can be a very scary
time for some and many battle with fear and the unknown.
(Some
verses to consider praying for them: Phil. 4:6, Matthew 6:25-34, Heb. 4:16,
Psalm 34:19)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
SPIRITUAL
WARFARE:
Most
Americans do not recognize and/or do not experience spiritual warfare. Many
families find themselves dealing with spiritual warfare issues and have no idea
how to deal with or handle them when they occur. Many of our families have
shared that their children have experienced reoccurring nightmares since moving
overseas.
(Some
verses to consider when praying for them: Eph 6;10-20, Rom. 8:28, 2 Thes.
3:1-2)
Finally, brothers,pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 2 Thes. 3:1-2
These
are just a few areas that you can pray for these women. Even though these women are
dealing with issues you may not be able to relate to or fully understand we can
ALL relate to the need to have a sister in Christ take our needs before the
Lord in prayer.
Lesley
Hildreth has been married to Scott for the past 20 years and has two children:
Rachel, 18 and Jacob, 16. Their family served overseas in Berlin, Germany and
Istanbul, Turkey with the IMB for eight years. Currently Scott is the Director
of the Center for Great Commission Studies at Southeastern and Lesley is a
guest lecturer for the Biblical Women's Institute as well as the Community
Service Coordinator for Broughton High School. Lesley currently serves as The
President for Southeastern's Women's Club and Faculty Advisor for the
Connecting Point Team as well as serving as a mentor for female students or
student wives on campus. 
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