Benefits of Raising a Family on the Mission Field

Cultural Exposure

"Because they´re growing up in other countries, they´re forced to speak multiple languages," says Scott Bradford, a missionary in Senegal. "Our kids can speak three languages and that expands their horizons."

Family Time

Preschooler mom Crystal Reynolds in Senegal shares, "We don´t have the opportunities to be in lots of different soccer lessons or extracurricular activities … and so we´re together as a family and we spend time at home playing games or playing outside or going swimming -– time that I think we wouldn´t have in the States."

Ministry Models

"They see us 24-7, in ministry and out of ministry," says Julie Bradford, who home schools two of her three kids. "And they see other missionaries in ministry, and so they see the importance of reaching the world for Christ in a different light. … They see it´s a daily thing, not just on Sundays or Wednesdays."

Slower Pace

"We´re not pulled in as many directions with as many activities," says Crystal. "We´re still busy, but I know it is nothing near the hectic pace our brothers and sisters have in the States. It´s more laid back here."

Strong Relationships

"Even the people we´ve known for a short time have made a big impact in our lives and our kids´ lives," says mom-of-two Heather McAfee, who serves in Cote d´Ivoire. "That´s something I wouldn´t have wanted to do without."

Deep Spirituality

"Because we´re able to spend more time together, we have time to read the Bible together, we have time to sing songs from God´s Word, to watch a video and discuss it," says Crystal. "…We pray for the lost people we know … We have more time to have those spiritual conversations with the kids."

Lack of Materialism

"In America you struggle to teach your kids that things are important and have value and you don´t just waste your money," says Heather. "That´s the mindset they´ve gotten here –- it´s not a throw-away culture. You´re careful with what you have and you use it and you´re not materialistic."

Media Management

"We have more control over what type of media they see and hear," says Crystal. "They don´t have TV to just sit and watch whatever comes on. They watch DVDs and movies that are recorded and we can monitor those."