AboutPastor Don Carpenter Expertise I believe that every word of the Bible is God- Breathed. This blessed book is the foundation truth for faith and practice. I can answer questions about soul winning, church planting, the call of God, or any question of Biblical doctrine.
Experience I have been in the ministry for over 20 years. During this time I served as youth pastor, assistant pastor, counselor, church planter, and Senior Pastor. Currently I serve as Senior Pastor for a Baptist Church in New England.
Organizations Evangelical Baptist Church
Publications Revival Baptist Chronicles
The Fundamental Baptist Voice
Education/Credentials BS in Bible from Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA
Question I first felt called to missions when I was in high school after a church retreat I went on. But, I got scared and set my sight on college instead due to a desire to do professional counseling in the future. Presently, I am graduating from college at the end of June of this year. I have been looking for jobs that are in my field of Human Development and Family Studies... however, for the 2 months that I have been searching.. none of the jobs set my heart on fire. I want something that is long-lasting, something that will change people's lives, something that will bring God glory and something that will expand His kingdom... after thinking and praying about it for a long time, I feel that God has led me back to the desire He gave me in high school to do missions, and I don't want to run away from it this time.This time I want to go and I am now considering being a full-time missionary. My heart desires to go to a different land... to go and help others, and tell them about God. While continuing to pray, I asked God when and where He wants me to go. But, all I get is an image of a street light...which is resting on "red". But a second later it skips yellow and goes straight to "green"..which has made me feel that God doesn't want me to wait, but to just go... don't stay where you are at, don't slowly go, but just go. So, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, if you do not mind answering:
1. I have always thought about church planting in South America. What can you tell me about church planting? Is there much need for it in South America today?
2. Is there a need for Marriage & Family Therapy and substance abuse counseling? I have God-given natural ability in these areas, and I would like to use them. However, are graduate degrees required in order to help those with these problems overseas in mission work, like it is here in the U.S.?
3. I hear about all the popular countries for missionaries to go to help such as: China, Australia, etc. Can you tell me of some places that you know of who are not reached (or not focused upon much) in the missionary community? I have a desire to go to those places that are not reached
4. I have student loans that I need to pay for from college, are there missionary organizations that would offer to help pay for some of my student loans for doing mission work?
5. If I become a long-term or full-time missionary, would I be able to travel back to the states every once in a while? Or do I have to stay in that country until the work is done?
I would greatly appreciate your answers as I seek a future in mission work in order to expand God's kingdom and have His love reach the unreached
-Joshua
Answer Hi Joshua,
Thank you for these great questions. I am sorry for my late response. I will try to answer each one of these briefly and clearly.
1. I have always thought about church planting in South America. What can you tell me about church planting? Is there much need for it in South America today?
YES! There is always a need for church planting. If you visit BIMI.org you will be able to get some statistics about the mission field that interests you and perhaps even contact a missionary in that field.
2. Is there a need for Marriage & Family Therapy and substance abuse counseling? I have God-given natural ability in these areas, and I would like to use them. However, are graduate degrees required in order to help those with these problems overseas in mission work, like it is here in the U.S.?
If you become a chirch planter, you usually fill the rople of a pastor. Pastors do that stuff all the time and many do not have a specific degree in those areas.
3. I hear about all the popular countries for missionaries to go to help such as: China, Australia, etc. Can you tell me of some places that you know of who are not reached (or not focused upon much) in the missionary community? I have a desire to go to those places that are not reached
BIMI.org is your best place to find that information.
4. I have student loans that I need to pay for from college, are there missionary organizations that would offer to help pay for some of my student loans for doing mission work?
Not that I know of.
5. If I become a long-term or full-time missionary, would I be able to travel back to the states every once in a while? Or do I have to stay in that country until the work is done?
Many mission boards that I know of actually require a break every 4 years so that the missionary can visit his supporting churches and report to them the progress of the work.
Joshua, you should tell your pastor what you are thinking. He will probably ahve the best wisdom for you as to your next course of action.
Remember, God calls people to the mission field as they are faithful in their own local church.
Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Act 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
