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.
Missionary: Time for Furlough!
Discussion in 'Jokes & Humor (Clean)' started by John of Japan, Apr 4, 2010.
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John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Funny!
So how many indicators of a needed furlough do you currently have? -
John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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: -
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: -
John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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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. -
Actually our local SBC association has an annual misisons conference with missionaries home from the field. -
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. -
John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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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!
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John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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. -
John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter