Just in case you were wondering, ministry envy and jealousy is alive and well here in Lima, Peru. Yesterday my wife, Dorcas, learned that a woman pastor in Lima said some very ugly things about Flamingo Road Church, and questioned our vitality and durability here in Peru. It's very sad, but not at all surprising.
Here's a 100%-guarantee-or-double-your-money-back: you will face envy and jealousy against your international ministry, no matter what country you are in. Do not be so naive as to think that once you have left your native country, all of this petty jealousy and envy ceases. It does not. I've seen ministry envy, jealousy, and competition in the USA, Peru, Cuba, England, Russia, Israel, and other places where I've done ministry. It happens all around the world, and mainly because too many pastors and ministry leaders forget the words of Paul in Galatians 6:4-5, where he warns against comparing yourself to somebody else.
Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, now the pastor of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, has written, "No one spears a dead fish. It's only when you're alive that people will start throwing their spears." Big George connected on that one just as if he was throwing a quick right for a KO!
There will be jealousy and envy and competition against you in your international ministry. There will be lies told about you. There will be spears thrown at you. Being from another country does not make you immune to it; in fact, it might even make you a bigger target.
But fear not, because this means that you are making a difference and having an impact wherever God has put you!
Stay focused. Don't get off your game. Test your own actions. Don't compare yourself to others. Carry your own load. Develop the hide of an elephant. Keep your eyes on the prize. While others are grumbling and carping on the sideline, you need to stay on the field and keep your mind in the game!
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