This is my first post about what it is like to be the mother of a teen missionary.
I will never forget the day that I heard the words come from our 15 yr old daughter, “Mother I know what I want to do!” We were at the annual SHEM convention for homeschoolers and I was sitting at our booth. Abigail had a handful of brochures in her hand and had spent time with the person at the World Mission Alliance booth. I’m sure that she tired out the person with all her questions during the next 2 days but the joy on her face couldn’t match anything I’d ever seen.
Soon after the convention, we sat down with Helen Todd and talked with her about what they do and what it would take for Abigail to go on a mission trip to China. God brought the whole trip together and we knew that God had called her. Some questioned us on how we could let our then 16 yr old fly across the world, and our response was if God called her and she was willing to face her fear of flying and the unknown like she was, then He would take care of her.
That trip to China was a long 10 days but we knew God was using her. She was able to call once while she was gone, thanks to Chuck Todd, and I told Michael to prepare himself, because this wasn’t the last trip she would be going on.
She arrived back to the airport exhausted but bubbling with excitement. Before we had back out of the parking lot she informed us that she would be going on another trip! She wanted to know how long it would take to save up, Michael said at least 6 months. So she literally counted and saw that that WMA would be going to Argentina for the first time and that was where she wanted to go!
Abigail’s testimony about China is below:
Abigail (Missouri)
“I found out about World Missions Alliance through a homeschool conference. Most of my life I’ve heard stories from people who have been missionaries in other countries, and it’s always intrigued me.
I immediately knew I wanted to go–it didn’t matter where so much as it did that I would be doing God’s work. But two specific countries stood out to me, one of which was China. When I first told my parents about wanting to go, they didn’t seem too sure–I was only 15 at the time, and hadn’t be further than a few hours away from home without them.
But a few days later I contacted WMA, met with Mrs. Todd, and made the final decision. I was going to China the following year.
Even though I did my best to hide it, I was a bundle of nerves when I arrived to the Springfield airport. From the time I walked through the sliding doors, till when I stepped into the hotel we would be staying in for the next 9 days, I was constantly hoping and praying not to have a nervous breakdown. For one, it was my first time ever being on an airplane. And secondly, I was struggling with whether or not I had made the right decision in going. What if I had to talk in front of the people and not know what to say? Or if what I did want to say came out wrong?
That first night when we arrived, my room-mate said a prayer for the trip. She prayed for both of us, as well as the rest of the team. I instantly felt more at peace about being there.
Over the next several days, I think I met more people than I even realized were in the world, and made some of the closest friends I have ever known. I spoke to people about what God’s done for me, and saw just what can happen when someone has the faith of a mustard seed. Never before have I seen someone be so happy in simply living for God, despite whatever losses it has cost them.
I thank God every day for taking me to China and, if it’s His will, I hope to return.”
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You can also view her movie that we put together of her trip at http://littlelighthouse.us/missiontrips.html.
As a mother you always want to do the right thing for your child. It was awesome to see her blossom and chatter on about her first mission trip and looking forward to going to the End of the Earth in October 2016.
A month before she was to leave the flight she was supposed to be leaving from Springfield, was canceled. My heart went thud. We knew she had been looking forward to this trip in a long time, but she assured us again, if God wanted her to go He would work things out.
God did work things out!! She flew out of Arkansas instead and it was amazing to see her face as she left. She has a fear of flying and it hurts to know she has to face this fear but as I watched her go through the TSA and then turn and wave goodbye with a bright smile, her face glowed.
The big difference between the trip to China and Argentina was I got to enjoy talking to her each day while she was in Argentina and I felt like I was apart of her trip.
Is it easy to watch that plane take off into the sky? NO!!! I have to leave her in the hands of the Maker each time and remind myself that He will take care of her no matter what happens.
Again, when she arrived home from Argentina, she was bubbling over. She was sick but that didn’t stop her telling us all about her trip.
Here is her testimony:
“I had the privilege, and blessing, of being on the first of WMA’s teams to go to Argentina. The people there are some of the strongest Christians I believe I have ever met, and everyone welcomed us with open arms. During my time there, I became very close with many of the church members, through daily interaction and praying together. Before I went, I was very hesitant to pray with people, or to really speak to them about my beliefs. But watching them and talking with them has given a boost to my confidence. I made some of the greatest friends during the few days I spent there, and hope and pray to return soon. It was the most incredible experiences I have ever had, and thank God for it every day.”
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In January, she returned to China. We will be doing a movie of the Argentina trip and China trip soon. God is using her in a mighty way and we thank WMA for allowing her to go even though she is so young.
She is trying to raise money to return to Argentina in May. If you feel it on your heart to help out, I know she will be so thankful. You can either send your donation to our address at 2203 Rhonda Dr., West Plains, MO made out to WMA or go to their website http://www.rfwma.org/gift-shop/missionary-trips/argentina-2017-donation/ and put Abigail Crider’s name in as the participant so that she gets it in her account. Everything you send WMA or send to us made out to WMA is tax deductible.
Does it get any easier for this Mother to let her daughter go overseas? No, but I know He goes with her each step of the way.
I’m blessed to be a Mother of a teen missionary.