If your like us, you may not have heard the word “furlough” many times in your life. Before we came to the mission field, we did not personally know anyone who was serving in missions overseas long-term. So we had very little knowledge about many of the ins and outs of being a missionary.
200 years ago, missionaries went to the mission field with their worldly belongings packed in a coffin, knowing that the only time they would return to their homeland would be after their death. 100 years ago, missionaries would return to their home country for a year once every 7-10 years. The cost and length of time to travel was too great for returning more often than that.
Thankfully, times have changed. Today, the length and frequency varies among churches, denominations, agencies and missionaries. Anywhere from every year for a few weeks, every other year for a few months, or even every fourth year for six months to a year.
Even on our team, our team leader has given us the freedom to make a plan that works well for us and helps us remain connected to our support team and family and gives us a chance to recharge emotionally and spiritually.
Our sending agency, Frontiers, calls furlough HMA or Home Ministry Assignment. Check back tomorrow for more about our HMA this summer!
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