Relational and family questions and online help

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Can I take my pet with me overseas?

The best option is to have a friend care for your pet while you are gone. Many countries have poor, if not nonexistent, veterinary care.

Also consider the probable quarantine time that your pet would have to endure (or should I say survive). One westernized country in Europe maintains a six-month quarantine of all imported pets.

Leave the pet at home. You will have enough to take care of in the new culture. Besides, the place you stay might not even allow pets!

What about my children’s education on the field?

Most families will home school their children simply because there is no satisfactory local school for their children to attend. If there is a private school, the cost can be nearly equal to college tuition. In Western Europe local schools can be very good and in some countries home schooling can be illegal.

The IMB provides ISCers between $750 to $1,500 per child per school year to cover actual educational expenses. The dollar amount depends upon the age of the child. These expenses are reimbursed on the field.

Home schooling also effects the missionary work itself. The field expects both husband and wife to be missionaries overseas. Too many children to educate at home may not allow the parent-teacher much opportunity to carry out the missionary task.

Can I leave my spouse behind, even on a shorter assignment?

No. We do not separate families for the cause of missions. It would take a huge exception and a critical need on the field for this to happen. Even then, it would be only for a four to six month subsequent assignment term.

Can I leave my children behind?

It depends on their age. College-aged children are left behind while school-aged kids are taken. We do not separate families for the cause of missions. Even kids on the field can be missionaries. Missions is living out an incarnational witness among the people in your community. You will model Christ-like parenting. Always remember you are called to your family first before any vocation or mission.

Another issue involves children left in the States in the custody of a former spouse or other guardian. IMB guidelines prevent us from sending a couple leaving behind dependent children up to age 22.

Can I take my children to the field?

Yes. We expect you to take all dependent children that are still in your care, through high school. Keep in mind there are many issues involving middle and high school aged children.

Is there a limitation on the number of children an ISCer takes to the field?

Officially, there is no stated limitation. The concerns generally arise in three areas: social appropriateness, logistical practicality and just plain good stewardship.

Socially, there are some places in the world that allow only one child per couple, so you can imagine a family with four or more children ministering in that culture.

Logistically, for example, hiring a taxi for your regular transportation is difficult enough without having to hail two cabs for the whole family. Also, some accommodations overseas will not sufficiently house a larger family.

Another good reason for concern is proper stewardship of financial resources. Sending a large family will usually not allow the spouse to be very involved in ministry since there will be significant educational needs regarding home schooling. Therefore, in reality we lose one missionary in the couple. There also are tremendous expenses involved for air transportation and adequate housing on the field for such a short two-year assignment.

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