How can the wonderful, connected world of instant communication be seen as a challenge? Are these “channels” not an incredible way to remain connected with family, friends, co-workers and even the church back home? Have you noticed that most video calls are now high definition?

The vision of every tentmaker I have ever worked with is to bring the Gospel message to hard places, where few if any Jesus followers are seen or heard. It takes a commitment to that vision every day if we are to see people being transformed and disciples being made.

The Problem

When dealing with a multitude of distractions and challenges, as well as trying to find a work-life balance, the default option too easily becomes communication with the homeland.

Let no one say they have found a perfect balance between life, work and mission. At best it can be a keen understanding of self, and this requires constant work and personal evaluation.

So should one cut off all communications with the homeland? Absolutely not. There are so many people back home who are an important part of the mission. There are prayer partners, people of encouragement, people who understand and have empathy for you—the list of important people whom God has placed into our lives is long.

Example

I once observed a tentmaker couple who logged into Skype shortly after coming home from work, and then remained online until it was time to go to sleep. They were using their downtime almost exclusively to enjoy their relationships halfway around the world. One can only imagine that their relationship with each other was also growing more and more distant. In this particular case, it did not end well, as they divorced a few years after returning.

Conclusion

Was it because of instant communication? Of course not, but limiting your time spent with those whom you came to serve, and limiting your time spent with your spouse, should be an early warning sign that a change in time use is necessary.

By Ari Rocklin

Editor’s Note: To see a short video by the author on this topic check out “Instant Communication with Home”. This and other tentmaker challenges are addressed on the Global Intent YouTube Channel http://youtube.com/globalintent.