As MKs, (Missionary Kids), we have unique experiences that make us different from other young people. We’ve grown up in different cultures, we’ve experienced different trials, seen different places, met different peoples, and eaten different foods.  And many of us have spent little to no time in America. Some say that it is a sacrifice, a burden, or a misfortune, even a disadvantage. However, I feel the opposite way, in fact I think as  MKs, we are better prepared and more blessed for the future that, Lord willing, awaits us. So please take some time and read why it is I see MK life that way.

Most of my family has never left their state, let alone their country, they’ve never seen real foreign food, cultures, or people, outside a National Geographic documentary. Being an MK, I have gotten to see many places, peoples, and cultures. Growing up on the mission field I’ve traveled through thirteen countries and three continents. We get to meet people and see places and experience cultures most Americans could only dream of, and will probably never experience. As MKs we have the blessing of two cultures, our American culture, which is generally passed on from our parents, and our mission field culture, wherever that may be. It is a blend of these two cultures that make us who we are. This is widely called “Third Culture” and sadly many see it as a stumbling block to adapting to America as many MKs go to their perspective collages. However, having grown up on two very different mission fields, I can say without doubt that I have an advantage over most Americans, and here’s why, I learned at an early age, as many MKs do, to pick and choose the best things of many cultures. For me I have bits and pieces of American culture, Lithuanian culture, Portuguese culture, and Brazilian culture from my mother, who is an MK herself. These cultures have influenced me, as are most MKs by their mission field cultures. It taught me, and continues to teach me, discernment. It gave me a new perspective on the issues and debates of our time. And most importantly, being an MK, I was raised by Christian parents, and I was saved at an early age. So, as MKs we have the unique advantage of seeing things differently.

Yes, we may not get cultural references, we may not “fit” in, but to be honest, as Christians, we will never fit in, and we shouldn’t be trying to fit in. Being an MK only magnifies that we won’t fit in. Sure, we may be “out of touch” with what is the new norm these days, but as is the duty of every believer in Christ, we are to be salt and light, not normal. We are supposed to be different, we are supposed to stand out, and to reflect Christ. And as MKs, we also have the advantage of being open minded. You can’t grow up on the mission field and be closed minded, you just wouldn’t last. We have the advantage to think outside the box, to see things most young people in America won’t see. To have the experience to handle something most Americans don’t understand. Being an MK teaches you adaptability, strength, endurance,  resilience, and trust in God. And that is the basis of every advantage an MK has, God. Without Him, not only would we be lost ourselves, our lives would be meaningless, going to a foreign field to preach about a dead god? No! We bring glad tidings of THE LIVING GOD! And now as we transition to America for studies, we can share these experiences, and the Gospel with Americans as well. Philippians 2:15-16

So remember, being an MK is NOT a disadvantage or a disability, it IS a blessing. No matter if God puts you in America, or back on the mission field, the same field or a new one, always remember that the heritage of your youth, growing up as a missionary kid, will always be with you, and was and is a blessing and an opportunity for better evangelism. Being an MK is only a disadvantage or a burden if YOU let it become that. And also remember, that being an MK is a blessing, in other words, it was given to you. You didn’t earn it, you are not better than your fellow laborers in Christ, you simply have been blessed in a bigger way. With great blessings comes greater responsibilities. Be thankful for the blessing of the MK experience, and don’t waste it either. God has greatly blessed us with our upbringing, let each and every one of us never squander it. We are the future of the Gospel. Ephesians 6:19-20

By, Joshua C. Hale | MK in Portugal