Dear Billy: Furlough

Dear Billy,

Sorry for the delay. The front end of our trip back to the states for furlough was more eventful than we had foreseen. Who knew that we would experience what the world is calling a coup d’état? There had been some roads blocked by protesters during the first few days of the week, so we began to wonder if we were going to be able to make our flights. The airport in San Pedro Sula is about two hours from our home and some of our friends missed their flights because of the protesting tactics. It’s never a good idea to drive through an angry tire-burning mob. Literally, those are words to live by!

To make a really long story somewhat shorter, we jumped the gun a little and hitched a ride with some friends who had a large bus only half-full of short-termers. We arrived in San Pedro without incident and waited at our friend’s house. They were great hosts and good sports, especially when our one-night stay became two nights because of the flight delays caused by the military curfew. On a side note, it was really strange to watch all of the violence that CNN was reporting and then go downtown and see everyone working and playing like normal. The mall was full of people, laughing and spending like crazy. It made us wonder about all the news that we had seen in the past. We were already cynical about the media, but now, we are convinced that there’s not an ounce of truth in it.

Well, here we are in North Carolina, beginning a 3 ½ month furlough. It is great to be here. Our church experience here is enriching. We have some great friends here and the kids have begun to catch up with their buddies from before. It’s hard to be away from family for years at a time, but it seems like we can get up to date in a hurry. In the long run, I probably get to spend more time with my parents than my other siblings. I just have to wait a few years to cram it all in.
Even though you have a while to think this through, it would be a good idea to begin contemplating the “big five” of furlough. There are other furlough concerns, but nothing happens without these.

First, you must consider location. Where are we going to spend furlough? Should you be near your family? Where are the majority of your supporting churches located? How about a church family who can be encouraging during your stay? Is there some kind of house that you can borrow? For us, with four children, living with family was not an option. Somehow, in God’s wisdom and providence, He has always provided a place for us to stay, a house for us to borrow. Some have required some work and others have been nearly maintenance-free. For a long time we stored furniture and mattresses, but the mold began to take over, as well as the challenge of setting up house each time. God has amazed us by His provision through His people.

Second, there is the question of transportation. Should you purchase a furlough vehicle and then try and sell it a few months later? It’s not a bad option if you have the funds and can find a great deal on a vehicle that would be easy to sell. We tried that several times and the last time was about 5 years ago. Things got pretty scary leading up to our flight out. We sold it on the evening of the last possible day. I believe that the buyer felt sorry for us. It was too tense for me. We have also had the experience of having a car loaned to us during furlough. That’s really great, but it is not without its share of tension. There is a constant fear of what could possibly happen, even if the insurance coverage is good. Let me share with you what happened to me two nights ago with our borrowed car.

This coming Friday is Lizzy’s birthday so Kathee and I, along with Abi went on Monday night to the brand-new Walmart to look for presents for Lizzy, as well as to purchase all the food-stuff for the party that we are planning at the lake.
It was raining a bunch when we came out of the store and we noticed the new parking lot and how the water seemed to really flow out of the way. We came to a part in the long drive-way that was not well-lit and we could not see that the water was backing up. We drove into about a foot of water and the car stalled. About an hour later, at about midnight, I finally called my Dad to come and pull us out of the dark Walmart driveway. The mechanic told me today that the motor was completely ruined and that we would have to spend about $1000 if we can find a used motor and about $2500 if we try and repair the old one. We aren’t really sure about what we are going to do, but this is a great time for all of us to remember the sovereignty of God and the reality of His constant provision.

Third, you must find a reliable person on the mission field to take care of your home while you are away. You have to think about leaving enough cash to handle all of your expenses. Since, setting up house can initially be such an involved endeavor, you will most likely maintain your rental home and try to find someone in whom you can really trust who can make sure that everything is functioning well when you return. We received a message a few days ago from our friends that are staying in our house in Honduras. They said that the door locks look like someone had tried to break into our home last week. It doesn’t take long for neighbors to realize that there is less movement and that there are moments when no one is home. You have to find someone who is really responsible and honest.
It is also helpful if you can find a friend who needs the place to stay while you are gone. Later this month, a couple of new missionaries are going to move into our house for about 3 months. This gives them time to find a place of their own and they can drive our car while they are planning out their own purchases. It’s definitely a win-win situation.

Fourth, try to create a travel schedule that works for the whole family. As much as you will need to visit churches (The ones that support you, as well as new, possible supporting churches), please make time for a relatively normal family life. Try and contact churches as soon as possible and try to fit them in, but realize that it may not be possible to spend a weekend with everybody. In some cases, you might simply have to have lunch with the pastor and try to meet with the mission’s committee (If they have one). Also, you will need to schedule vacation time or it will never happen.

Also, be careful to talk with pastors about their expectations. I was able to preach last week at the morning and evening services at my home church. In two weeks, I will be travelling to a large Baptist church where I will preach twice in the morning services. This week, Kathee and I were with a great supporting church that wants me to keep it to 5 minutes in the two morning services, share 15 minutes with the children’s group and share another 20 minutes in an adult Sunday School class. It can be a challenge, but we must be prepared and flexible. We all need a clear biblical understanding of the importance of the local body of believers and realize that our job is to try and stimulate interest in the spread of the gospel throughout the world. In short, ask questions and find out what they need. Even ask about attire. Some expect ties and jackets while others are super-casual. Also, don’t be boring or long-winded. You need to create and cultivate long-term relationships with churches and individuals who are excited about what God is doing through you in His world. Don’t ever forget the big picture.

Fifth, you need to be careful about furlough money. Everything will be more expensive back in the states than you remember. Many of the tricks that you have learned on the field that allow you to stretch the missionary income will not be available for several months. Fruits and vegetables will no longer be cheap and health care will scare you to death. If you are like me, you won’t buy any clothes for the two or three years in between furloughs and it will be nearly impossible for you to avoid all of the great “deals”. Go slow. Be careful.

Some organizations allow furloughing missionaries to raise their salary during furlough. We have never had the donations to allow us to do that, but if your case is different, do not hesitate to take good and prudent advantage of God’s provision. Remember, if you are not careful about your purchases, you will accrue significant debt during the furlough months that will complicate your finances during your next term. If that sounds more like a confession than a warning, then you have heard me well.

Thanks for praying for us.

In Him, Tim