Nancy Leigh DeMoss: A missionary friend named Shannon once told me how hard it is for young people to tell their parents about plans to leave for the mission field.

“I have many friends who are interested in missions. Some of these parents literally kick, scream, beg, plead, bribe—whatever they can do to keep their child safe within their grasp here within this country or close to them. It makes it very difficult for a young person to be able to say ‘yes’ to the call of God on their life.”

Nancy: A lot of Christian parents think being a missionary is a great idea—until their son or daughter says, “I think God’s leading me in that direction.”

Jesus said, “Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” I’m so thankful for parents who more than anything else wanted their seven children to follow Christ—wherever that meant and whatever the price.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.