Well...guess I should go buy a stove...

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by Charnock

While I disagree with OP11, I often struggle to bite my tongue over some of the things you post.

I believe, firmly, that you love God and have a heart for His harvest.

However, you sometimes post as if you are owed things, that Americans are lazy non-givers, and as if you are the "only prophet in Israel."

The truth is, MOST foreign missionaries are fully funded, and never have to work a real job, but American pastors struggle with one hand in the harvest, and one hand trying to eek out a living for their families.

I appreciate your effort, but you've got it very, very good.

Now, I am sure you will cry to high Heaven that I am attacking you, but nothing is further from the truth.

Mr. Charnock, behind the scenes, many have talked about this very thing. No one wants to post it because they know how they'll be attacked. I must admit great irritation to the concept that one has to cross an ocean to be a missionary. The WORLD is a mission field and America is not one bit easier than anywhere else in the world.

[MissBrattified]

I had posted a big long post, but I backspaced over it. Suffice it to say that people who have enough time to attack a full time missionary need to busy themselves elsewhere.

Further, I can understand questions about philosophy or mindsets, but to call Sister A a liar? Experience, whether at home or on the mission field, will give you a lot of stories to tell. Those who lack stories...well, you can only tell so many stories about what goes on in your own little box.

Charnock, we've been down this rabbit trail before, and I really don't want to revisit the whole gist of your post, but I have to ask: How on earth do you know that the Alvears have it "very, very good?"

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Charnock, you're being harsh and judgemental when you say that Sis Alvear "you sometimes post as if you are owed things, that Americans are lazy non-givers, and as if you are the "only prophet in Israel." Maybe you are reading motives and intents of the heart that aren't there.

You are also asserting that being a missionary is not a "real job". Surely you don't believe that preaching the gospel and shepherding the flock of God is not a "real job"?

I've struggled lately when I read some of the things Sis Alvear writes and have come to the conclusion that I'm the one with the problem. When I get those negative thoughts, I try to cast them out by praying for Sis Alvear and her ministry.

Maybe I am. I sure don't mean to be.

When did I assert that being a missionary is not a real job? I'm sure it's taxing.

My point is this. The Alvears are not alone in suffering for the cause of Christ. Now, some folks will take umbrage with the fact that an American could possibly suffer in ways that are comparatively, equal to, or worse than, the hardships many missionaries endure, but I assure you it is not only possible, but common.

I suppose my personal experiences have jaded me a bit. I readily admit a bias toward the North American church because it is suffering, and in danger of extinction. American pastors are facing things most missionaries will never deal with.

Lastly, it's the attitude of the poster in question that I struggle with, and not the need. I cannot stand an attitude of entitlement. It reeks of pride.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by OldPathsII

Whether or not you listen to me is pointless. I responded to an absurd statement she made and absurdity can't be validated by hardships. We've all got shoes, you know, and if you're interested in walking a mile in mine, let me know. You might be surprised.

And a small comment, perhaps not explained or justified to your liking, does not invalidate the good works of a lifetime.

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I had posted a big long post, but I backspaced over it. Suffice it to say that people who have enough time to attack a full time missionary need to busy themselves elsewhere.

Further, I can understand questions about philosophy or mindsets, but to call Sister A a liar? Experience, whether at home or on the mission field, will give you a lot of stories to tell. Those who lack stories...well, you can only tell so many stories about what goes on in your own little box.

Charnock, we've been down this rabbit trail before, and I really don't want to revisit the whole gist of your post, but I have to ask: How on earth do you know that the Alvears have it "very, very good?"

Attack???? Who attacked? Post the words, please.

Secondly, who called her a liar??? Please reference the post and link us to it. If you're going to make a completely absurd claim, back it up. Please provide evidence to back up your claims or go away.

What a joke. And, this is exactly the point I've made. No one wants to EVER disagree with Sister Alvear because they know this is what they'll get. Insane.

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I had posted a big long post, but I backspaced over it. Suffice it to say that people who have enough time to attack a full time missionary need to busy themselves elsewhere.

Further, I can understand questions about philosophy or mindsets, but to call Sister A a liar? Experience, whether at home or on the mission field, will give you a lot of stories to tell. Those who lack stories...well, you can only tell so many stories about what goes on in your own little box.

Charnock, we've been down this rabbit trail before, and I really don't want to revisit the whole gist of your post, but I have to ask: How on earth do you know that the Alvears have it "very, very good?"

I have never once called Sis. A a liar.

Further, Sis A. has posited, often, that Americans have it very, very good.

Some do. Many of us don't.

America is a mission field. The light of truth is growing dim.

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

And a small comment, perhaps not explained or justified to your liking, does not invalidate the good works of a lifetime.

And no one EVER said it did. This goofy mountain has been formed of something that didn't even amount to a molehill. I called into question the concept of the devil being defeated by the use of a credit card. The rest of it? Well, it's just stuff you all made up.

[Charnock]

It's one thing to know about, and be moved by, an incredible poverty among the people you're laboring to reach, another thing entirely to become personally impoverished specifically because you reach for that field.

When you have no power, no water, and few groceries you will have the right to lecture me about American laziness and apathy. I have gone without those things so that the "work of God" could prosper, and so that others would not suffer. Until you do, maybe all of you should actually read what I am saying instead of rushing to defend a personality.

I do not say this to brag, or out of some plea for sympathy. I post it to make a point. There are men and women all around you that are waking to the fact that this continent is adrift. They are sacrificing everything to reach it.

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by Charnock

It's one thing to know about, and be moved by, an incredible poverty among the people you're laboring to reach, another thing entirely to become personally impoverished specifically because you reach for that field.

When you have no power, no water, and few groceries you will have the right to lecture me about American laziness and apathy. I have gone without those things so that the "work of God" could prosper, and so that others would not suffer. Until you do, maybe all of you should actually read what I am saying instead of rushing to defend a personality.

I do not say this to brag, or out of some plea for sympathy. I post it to make a point. There are men and women all around you that are waking to the fact that this continent is adrift. They are sacrificing everything to reach it.

You have stated the absolute truth, perfectly. Well said.

[Charnock]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Experience, whether at home or on the mission field, will give you a lot of stories to tell. Those who lack stories...well, you can only tell so many stories about what goes on in your own little box.

Upon further reflection, this post is amazingly, incredibly, insulting. It shows a complete lack of respect for the sacrifices my wife and kids made to plant a church.

You have no idea. Unreal.