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Missionary: Time for Furlough!

Discussion in 'Jokes & Humor (Clean)' started by John of Japan, Apr 4, 2010.

  1. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Many years ago when we had been on the field for a six year term and were ready for furlough, we put together this list.



    How to Know When It’s Time for Furlough
    By the John R. Himes family, getting close to it!


    A missionary knows it's time for furlough when:

    1. Japanese trucks start looking big to him.
    2. He thinks the "Reformed Semi-Democratic People's Union for Greenery" makes more sense than the Republican Party.
    3. He stubs his toe and his "Ow!" isn't English.
    4. He's talking to someone about his mission and he can't remember the name of the mission director.
    5. He gets excited over "Spring Equinox Day," but can't remember how to tell when Easter falls.
    6. "Fermented milk" starts sounding like a perfectly ordinary drink, and "fermented bean paste" is a real treat.
    7. He thinks "football" is played with a round ball.
    8. The other missionaries in his area start moving away for no apparent reason.
    9. He starts talking to his stuffed animals--and starts answering back for them.
    10. He knows the names of all the Sumo wrestlers but can't remember what baseball team New York has.
    11. Raw octopus sounds like more of a treat than pizza.
    12. He thinks a samurai drama from when Kyoto was the capital is called a "Western."
    13. He bows when talking on the telephone.
    14. He thinks "cherry-blossom viewing" sounds macho.
    15. Green tea ice cream becomes his favorite, and he's not surprised to find beans in it.
     
  2. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    Funny!

    So how many indicators of a needed furlough do you currently have?
     
  3. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Whew! We're about 90% ready for furlough, but can't take one until 2011--making it another six year term.

    In the meantime, that Estonian who just made the second highest rank in Sumo is really cool! And they recently had my favorite samurai drama on TV. Love that part where the hero simply sticks out his sword and lets the bad guy run into it. And I wanted some of that ice cream with the whole beans in it, but they didn't have any....:tonofbricks:
     
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Are you going to let us know what cities you be on deputation? :thumbsup:

    Salty

    PS you could become Southern Bap - then you wouldnt have to worry about going all over for deputation! :smilewinkgrin:
     
  5. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    I might do that. We'll be all over the map, actually, having supporting churches from Michigan to Florida, Virginia to Colorado. :type:

    Actually, there are a lot of blessings traveling to the churches: seeing old friends, making new friends, hearing from folks who have been praying faithfully for us. And besides, I'm too old to change horses now! Midstream? Hah, I'm nearing the other side of the river! :smilewinkgrin:
     
  6. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    Is 6 years the normal times between furloughs? I had thot it was 3-4 years.

    It would be nice to know if you're near by on deputation. Not that I'd ever come and hear you... :tongue3:

    I love hearing missionaries reports. It's a serious lack in SBC missions.
     
  7. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Actually our local SBC association has an annual misisons conference with missionaries home from the field.
     
  8. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    We do also, but they happen every 3 years and then we don't have the same missionaries back. Those missionaries who go out on deputation keep their churches informed and then give reports.

    Don't take me wrong. I like the cooperative spirit of the IMB, but I do miss getting to know missionaries. In lots of ways I like the Cooperative Program plan better, but I think there have also been some negative effects.
     
  9. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Our board allows for 4-6 year terms, but we've always aimed at 5-6 years. We did take a minifurlough once of 3 months, and that is becoming more common, but we don't plan to do it again.
    Hah! I've heard me many times and wouldn't cross the street to hear me again! :laugh:
    Many moons ago I went to Japanese language school with the SBC guys, and when I told one of them about our relationship with our supporting churches he was a little jealous at the prayer support we get. :saint:
     
  10. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    Yep, sounds like it's time for y'all to come back to the states again, at least until you stop bowing while on the telephone!
     
  11. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Just got off the phone with the Christian book store in Sapporo, and somehow managed not to bow to the phone. Maybe we can last another year! [​IMG]
     
  12. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    My dad (after retiring from the pastorate) was the deputation director of an IFB mission board. In that role, he worked with a lot of young missionaries who were in the process of raising their support.

    He was asked the same question many times and pretty much gave the same answer you did. There are a lot of pluses & minuses with each approach. However, this approach allows you to build that very special bond with churches & individuals that have been supporting you, praying for you and being an active role in your ministry.
     
  13. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
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    Amen! And the primary job of missionaries on furlough is recruitment, and being in many different churches helps that.
     
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