Memo to Staff: PERSONAL BOUNDARIES

It is very important for missionaries to establish boundaries in their lives, particularly in the area of self-care.

How can you know if you are not honouring your boundaries?

If you find yourself…

· unable to take groceries home because of a guilt-complex
· tired and lagging at your duties
· tempted to steal because “you deserve it” or “you’ll pay it back”
· continually wishing you were on vacation
· short-tempered or easily angered
· staying up late
· not having daily devotions
· burning your candle on both ends
· having too many dresser drawers open (dresser tips over!)
· thinking you are working harder than everyone else
· watching too much tv
· without time to floss your teeth
· skipping your bath
· double booking yourself both personally and professionally
· not spending time with your spouse or children
· not having time for your closest friends
· not making time to keeping touch with family
· not having alone time
· wanting to skip Bible study for “alone time”
· having piles of laundry and dishes to catch up on
· always “running to catch up”

…you may be at risk of mismanaging your personal life.

While God is pleased when our ministry produces fruit, He does not want it at the expense of the other things He has brought into your life, such as your kids, or your spouse.

Those unencumbered by relationships are more free to pursue ministry, but not at the expense of their spirit.

For all of us missionaries, it is important to eat well, to keep our surroundings tidy and clean, have daily devotions and quality family times. Just the basics of life! After that, “I would gladly spend and be spent for Christ.”

Michelle Porter
Chief Administrative Officer