ken and julie faulkner

When you decide to do something different with your life, questions inevitably arise! We are faced regularly with many legitimate questions about this whole business of moving to Niger as long term missionaries, and I thought it was time to share some of those questions with you. You might have OTHER questions for us? Please ask! We’d love to dialogue with you. 

“There are hurting people right here in America, why go to Niger?” I talked about this in our first newsletter, but we’ve added 100 prayer partners since then! In America, there are resources for the hurting – spiritual or physically. Also, Ken and I have worked with youth for the past 15 years. At our church, we are very replaceable. In Niger, the need for those who would mentor youth is huge.

“What do your kids think of being missionaries in Niger?” Will, Mark and Sabrina are amazing! As is Eli! 🙂 Since our first conversation about living without the comforts of life in the States, they have really sacrificed a lot of personal desires. They love their friends, their internet, and their food! The thing is, they believe as we do, that we are called to give our time, talent and money toward something bigger than us. Loving others as ourselves, engaging with people whose experience with Christians may have been negative, these are exciting opportunities!  Mark says, “We like the idea of going, but not leaving.”One of the things my kids will miss, a night at the movies! 3D anyone?!

“How long do you plan to live in Niger?” We plan to live in Niger for two years beginning in August, 2016, after seven months of language school. At that point we will come back to the USA for a “home assignment,” then return to Niger for a four-year term. There is flexibility within this plan.

“Are you afraid of ISIS or Boko Haram? What is the danger?”  There are inherent risks with life in Niger – we know that. We truly have put our lives in God’s care, and though the danger is real, so is His love and protection. It is not our expertise to know the comings & goings of extreme terrorists, but our mission agency, SIM, is in-the-know and we trust the way they guide missionaries when terrorist danger is present.

“How did you know that you were “called” to serve Internationally?” Since 2000 we have worked together in youth ministry. We have loved it and seen God touch the lives of those around us. The catalysts to move to Niger were a conversation with Ken’s brother, a Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class (click on the class to go to their website), and reading about Niger – a country we have never been to but already have in our hearts. Only God can plant such a seed.

 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.   – Matthew 24:14

Please share any questions you have for us by replying to this blog post! And, as always, thanks for your prayers!