Letting our children go

By Frank Severn — Why is it so hard for Christian parents to freely let their grown children become missionaries? That question often puzzled me as I interacted with committed Christian students and young adults. Some who believed that God was calling them to serve Christ among the least-evangelized peoples of the world never followed through because of their parents’ opposition.

A test of faith

First, I admit it is not easy to joyfully send your children to a distant country, or even a close city that may not be perceived as safe and healthy. When my daughter and her husband responded to God’s direction for their lives and headed off to Ukraine in the 1990s, I rejoiced but also had very mixed feelings. This was especially true when I suddenly realized our first granddaughter would be with them! We had committed each of our children to the Lord at birth and prayed that they would joyfully follow him even to the ends of the earth; however, it was not easy to see them leave. That is natural. We love our children and grandchildren. We want to protect them from disease and danger.

A safe place

Second, I believe we have been deceived into thinking that home, or at least our own country, is the safest place to be. What is to say that my son or daughter will be safe and better off by not going? Accidents happen everywhere. Sicknesses occur here, too.

A better life

I sadly remember the story of a wonderful young woman in the Philippines whom my wife and I knew well. She had dedicated her life to the Lord and believed she should go to Bible school to prepare to serve God. Her father was one of the key leaders of the church we were helping to establish. He, however, had other plans for his daughter. He wanted her to become a nurse and eventually go to America where she would earn a good wage, which would help her family. This was and is a very normal plan for a Filipino family. He said, “No, you cannot go to Bible school.” The young lady was heartbroken and found herself in an untenable situation. Being a good Filipina, she obeyed her parents. Sadly, she ended up marrying an unbeliever and her life was miserable.

A higher calling

A wonderful promise

We appreciate the sacrifices that families make when their loved ones serve as missionaries. Prayer can help bridge the gap. Download a free bookmark with daily themes to help you pray for your missionary family members.

Additional Posts

By SEND media Team August 4, 2026
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
By SEND Media May 11, 2026
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
By SEND Media May 11, 2026
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
Show More