Fellowship Fridays - Deputation Part I

Deputation Tips Part 1

Traveling Tips

Some enjoy it, some endure it.  Some love it, some hate it, but most missionaries do it!  It's called deputation.  Deputation is a time of visiting churches in order to present your call and burden while making churches aware of the need for the Gospel to your particular mission field.

All those hours in the car and spending so many nights in unfamiliar places can be hard when you add small children to the mix.  Most missionaries on deputation are young families with small children.  I love to see the young families, with bright eyes and fresh faces eager and excited to get to their mission fields!  However, deputation may be challenging for the young mother who juggles her wifely and motherly duties with all the other responsibilities and challenges that deputation brings.  

Here are a few things that helped me on my deputation journey with two small children.  For you missionary wives that have "been there, done that" please feel free to add any comments of your own with advice or tips that have helped you.  For you missionary wives that are on deputation right now and have anything to add, please do!  You are experiencing this ministry right now and may have many things to share.

This week we'll discuss the "Traveling" aspect of Deputation.  Next week we'll discuss the "Staying" aspect of Deputation.

In no particular order… Traveling Tips!  

Clorox Wipes - I took these everywhere!  Sometimes you may need them to tidy up a place you are staying, especially motel rooms.  I would always wipe down everything I thought my babies would touch.  Also, they are quick, easy and portable for cleaning up after yourselves in a prophet's chamber or someone's house.  Our rule of thumb was to leave the place as nice or better than when we arrived.  

Baby Wipes - We always kept a container of these in the car as well as one in my diaper bag.  They are handy for quick hand and face washes, quick clean ups, etc…

Paper Towels - We always kept a roll of these in our car and they were always handy.  

Color Wonder - I'm not sure if they still have this in America, but this stuff was amazing!  It was always a great treat for my kids to color with markers.  Color Wonder was great because they could color with this and there was no concern of them getting the marker anywhere but the paper.  Great when you are guests in someone's home!  

Good Music - Our oldest kids were very young during our deputation years, but they still loved music! Sometimes all they needed during a fussy, tired time was some music to sooth them and send them right to sleep!

"Special" Toys - When space permitted we would keep a small container of some favorite toys in the car.  The only time they played with these was in the car, and when we were guests in someone's home.

Clothes - You really don't need as many as you think you do!  It's hard to decide which cute little outfit, or adorable dress you want to pack, but the truth of the matter is, your kids can wear the same things every Sunday and the only ones who will know that are you and them!  After several months on deputation I realized that I only needed a certain number of outfits for Mission's Conferences, etc… Certainly take into account the age of your baby and know that sometimes a change of clothes in mid-service is necessary, but also realize that laundry facilities are almost always available.

Packing System - I found what worked best for me was to have the suitcases organized, i.e. one for the parents, one for the kids, (obviously this will be different for different family sizes) a toiletry bag and garment bag.  

"Home" - We traveled with our Pack-n-Play when space permitted.  It was nice for our baby to sleep in her own bed every night.  Each child also had their own special blanket (and still do several years later...same blanket!) that they kept in the car with them and slept with at night.  It was a functional piece of "home" that they could bring with them and also served a valuable purpose (Since my husband liked to keep the temperature of the car at sub-arctic temperatures! :-))

Ice Chest - We were thrilled towards the end of our deputation when we were lent a mini-van and moved out of our Dodge Neon.  The van was roomy enough to fit a cooler, the pack-n-play and all of our luggage… with room to spare!  We kept the cooler filled with bottled water, juice, milk and sometimes sandwich fixings.  It was always nice to stop off somewhere for a picnic and for the kids to run off some energy.

Snacks - Sometimes a cranky toddler is just a hungry toddler.  We always kept a variety of good snacks for the children in the car.  These came in handy on long trips when the exits seem to get father and farther apart… and there are no food places in sight.  

Bags - The hard truth is that sometimes kids (or adults!) get car sick!  Before we started any trip we would have several plastic bags double bagged together and in an easily accessible place in the car.  They hardly took up any space, but when someone got sick it was just a simple matter of tying shut the top bag and disposing of it at the first rest stop we came across.  No messy bucket to clean or rinse out and you can use the aforementioned baby wipes and/or Clorox Wipes if everything didn't quite make it into the bag.  A trash bag is handy too… a place to keep all the trash in one spot until you stop for gas and can throw it away and then start another one from your stash.

Family - Deputation is probably the only time (until furlough) where you will spend countless hours sitting with your husband and children.  Use this time to bond with your children by playing silly road games, singing songs, learning Bible verses, even language study!  Strengthen your relationship with your husband, enjoy this time of togetherness before you enter the completely new and wonderful, but somewhat scary and very different life on the mission field!

31 Days Of Praying For Our Husband

I would like to challenge myself, and the other wives out there to take the thirty-one days of October to pray specifically for our husbands. With each prayer there is an accompanying verse to meditate on and use in our prayer time.  

1. That he would draw close to God. 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. ~ James 4:8

2. That he would grow in wisdom. 

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. ~ Proverbs 4:7

3. That he would stand strong against the pull of this world and the spiritual warfare behind it.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~ Ephesians 6:10-12

4. That he would be a strong spiritual leader.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. ~ Ephesians 6:4

5. That his faith would increase. 

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: ~ Luke 17:6

6. That he would trust God when providing for his family.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

7. That he would be free from stress. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7

8. For good health. 

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. ~ Proverbs 16:24

9. That he would be a Godly example at home and at work.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ~ 1 Timothy 4:12

10. That he would seek God with a pure and humble heart. 

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

11. That he would have compassion for the world around him. 

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ~ Colossians 3:12-14

12. That he would fulfill the responsibilities given to him such as being a husband, a father and an employee.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. ~ Luke 12:48b

13. That he would be content with little or with much. 

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ~ 1 Timothy 6:7-8

14. That he would run to God in times of trouble. 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. ~ Psalm 91:1-2

15. That his prayer life would be strengthened.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18


16. That he would understand and embrace his role as a husband. 

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ~ Ephesians 5:25

17. That he will be obedient to the will of God. 

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ~ James 1:22-24

18. That he would practice servant leadership as Christ demonstrated to His disciples.

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. ~ John 13:4-5

19. That he would have much patience. 

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3

20. That he will learn to bridle his tongue.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ~ Ephesians 4:29

21. That serving God would be his first priority in life.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ~ Colossians 3:1

22. That God will continually transform you into the wife your husband needs. 

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. ~ Titus 2:4-5

23. That he would have a heart of gratitude. 

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ~ Psalm 34:1

24. That he will be self-controlled in every area of his life.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Peter 1:5-8

25. That he would be a man of strong character.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ~ Galatians 5:22

26. That he will hunger and thirst for the word of God.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? ~ Psalm 42:1-2

27. That his faith would be sincere and genuine. 

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: ~ 1 Timothy 1:5

28. That God would put a hedge of protection around your marriage. 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. ~ Psalm 91:1-2

29. That he will fellowship with other believers and that God would bring strong men of faith into his life.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24-25

30. That he will guide and nurture the growth of his children. 

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6

31. That he will testify of his faith to others. 

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ~ Mark 16:15

Breakfast Time: Muffins

One of my memories growing up was waking to the smell of cinnamon muffins in the oven.
Those were extra-special days!
These muffins are quick to throw together, and you can personalize them any way you like.
Don't like cinnamon? Add fruit! Don't have any fruit? Throw in some nuts!
What ever you add, they will be tasty!

Basic Muffins


1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 well-beaten egg
3/4 c. milk
1/3 c. oil

Sift dry ingredients into large bowl; make well in center.
Combine egg, milk, and oil in small bowl.
Pour wet ingredients into 'well' in dry ingredients.
Stir quickly, but just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Batter will be lumpy!
Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-24 minutes.
Check with toothpick - a clean toothpick means they are done!

Butter while still hot.....and enjoy as soon as they've cooled enough not to burn your tongue!

*Add-Ins: Any extras should be stirred in just before you put batter into muffin tin.
                 Cinnamon, to taste {our favorite}
                 Dried fruit - raisins, cranberries, blueberries, cherries
                 Chopped fruit - apples, bananas
                 Chopped nuts - peanuts, walnuts, pecans
                 Chocolate chips

Missionary Monday - Around Your Town

 

This week's theme - Around Your Town

Take some photos and show us around your town!

 

This photo was taken a few miles from where we live here in Australia.

It reminded me so much of fall,

although those are yellow flowers and not yellow leaves!

 

 

 

Next week's theme - Your Choice

 

 

Sunday Scripture ~ Psalm 37:4

 

Have a blessed Sunday!

Breakfast Time: Baked Maple Oatmeal

Looking for something yummy for breakfast?
This is one of my new go-to favorites!
 It is delicious and quite simple to throw together...what could be better than that?

 Baked Maple Oatmeal
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter
3 c. old-fashioned rolled oats (do not substitute quick, instant, or steel-cut oats)
1/2 c. raw, maple, granulated, or brown sugar
 2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. nutmeg or cinnamon
1 c. whole milk
2 lg. eggs
 2 Tbsp. maple or Golden syrup
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is preheating, unwrap butter and place in 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking pan. Place the pan on the center rack of oven and let the butter melt as oven heats. (As soon as the butter is melted remove pan from oven or butter may scorch.)
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl, pour over the dry ingredients and mix together with a sturdy spoon until everything is evenly combined and wet.
Scrape into the pan with melted butter and stir until most of the butter is incorporated, but there are little pockets of melted butter still visible at the corners.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Serve hot with extra butter, whole milk, cream, or maple syrup!

Thank you, Rebecca!

Missionary Monday

 

 

This week's theme - Cooking

What is it like cooking on your field?  Do you make everything from scratch?

Do you have a wide variety at your grocery store?  Take some photos and link up!

Here are my two kids anxiously awaiting to try some home made soft pretzels!

 

 

Next week's theme - Around your town

Take us on a tour around your town!

 

 

If you don't have a blog post regarding this theme, feel free to link up anyway!