Shortly after we arrived in Costa Rica in 2003 to work at Portantorchas, a visiting teacher from another school also came. He had dinner with us one night and we asked him for advice on how to manage our home and family in the midst of ministry.
The advice that he gave us has been invaluable and we have seen the benefits of his godly wisdom over the years. First of all, he said that the wife must embrace her role in ministry, not just see ministry as her husband's job. Otherwise, it pulls the husband apart between two exclusive roles. Second, he said to involve our children in ministry. We allowed our children to interact frequently with students, and it has been to their benefit (mutual, I think).
Children often minister without knowing it, and they have no hang-ups about rejection, like I often do.
In fact, there are times when I want to invite a student over, but I fear they will say "no". My children don't fear that. I have given them the freedom to invite students over. They do, frequently. And, it's been great! They have a gift of hospitality, and often invitation from them is well received by students. We've baked cookies, watched movies, had Indian food, and dance parties, all because our girls are involved in ministry.
I still remember an incident during the first year that we were here. We were going to eat lunch with the students. My oldest, who was just 2, noticed a girl standing awkwardly off to one side. She asked, "Who is that?" I told her the student's name, and my daughter said, "I want to sit by her." What resulted that semester was a little 2-year-old seeking out this gentle and quirky student. I saw how she touched that student's life, just by her interest in her.
I am thankful that my girls have a heart for ministry, even without knowing it. Their love and interest in students in genuine, and God knows that we all need that, to be loved for who we are. I thank God that He saw a place for us here in ministry - for Tom and I - and for our three little girls.