Tuesday, March 19, 2019

John and Abbie Serve in the Philippines

John Duggar Abbie Burnett Duggar mission trip Philippines
John and Abbie in the Philippines

"Going on this trip together really has helped both of us just to be able to see how we can help other people in the world with the skills God has given us."
-John-David Duggar

Last night on Counting On (be sure to read our recap), we watched engaged couple John Duggar and Abbie Burnett travel to the Philippines for a medical mission trip Do you remember back in the day when John-David and Jana Duggar worked as first responders? That training has come in handy for John as he seeks to address both the physical and spiritual needs of those who attend the clinics (video below). Abbie relies on her nursing degree.


Photo/video courtesy TLC

102 comments:

  1. Is she an RN or an LPN?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I don’t think they have ever specified. I feel like she is an LPN because they always refer to her as a “licensed nurse” but that’s just me guessing. Nurses at all levels are licensed where they differ is in the scope of care they can provide and their educational and practical requirements for licensing. What a ramble lol. Anyway, I think John and Abbie are adorable together and such an inspiration to other young couples going out and being of service. I wish them all the best! :)

      Delete
    2. She is a licensed practical nurse, and her license is currently active in Arkansas. A nurse’s license status is public information.

      Delete
  2. I get the sense that John wants Abbie to work "just enough" to keep up her nursing license...not make a paid nursing position a full-time endeavor. Did anybody else get that feeling from what he said during last night's episode?
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got the same feeling

      Delete
    2. I got the feeling that she wants to step back from it herself, but she still loves it so it’s a hard decision.

      Delete
    3. John had a lot of hesitation spitting out the words he’d be just fine with her working at her chosen career! Abbie, also, held back in expressing her true feelings about wanting to continue working as a nurse.

      Delete
    4. Yes! I got that vibe too. S.

      Delete
    5. Yes i certainly did!

      Delete
    6. I agree. I think she will do that until she has her first baby and then who knows what she'll do.

      Delete
    7. Sounds like you just want to complain. I am sure based on what they both said it was a joint decision. No matter how much she works.

      Delete
    8. How about this ,work get pregnant ,then work for the next 9 mons like half the country does !

      Delete
    9. 6:37 you forgot the part about taking 2-3 months off after the baby and then going back to work! lol

      Delete
    10. Yes. It did register with me that John would “allow” her to work, up to a point. I find it sad that his decision on her career carries more weight than hers. She is the one with the aspirations and she worked toward that.

      Delete
  3. I hope she got to take care of some little old people over there.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was sad to see she gave up nursing to get married.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She didn’t give it up, her license has been transferred. And she obviously held getting married to a higher importance than continuing to be a nurse for the moment. She’ll probably go back to it sometime in the future.

      Delete
    2. She gave up nursing just to plan the wedding!!

      Delete
    3. I don't think she will give it up totally. You can be married and have a career. The Duggars do it different and it's up to Abbie and John. She obviously wanted to get married and obviously talked it over with him so she's obviously ok with it

      Delete
    4. She recently got liscensed in Arkansas so she could eventually go back to work. I think it’s great she thought ahead!!

      Delete
    5. Why are you sad? Isn't it the ultimate feminism for women to follow the path they choose? She can always return to work some day if she chooses to.

      Delete
    6. 2:53- We can never know if her “ choice” to quit her job was more of an expectation than anything else.

      Delete
    7. Errrr let me see transferring your licence and packing up to move and doing a mission trip before your wedding that's a lot to do! So she took two months out (maybe more) to allow her to do all this stuff and get settled into married life and? What if she wants to be a sahm in the future go her! So I mean we sahm do nothing and really want to go to work and leave our kids to someone else's care/responsibility and nurture they might not share my families values but whatever I'll just dump my kid for the money...... Dwell on this not all women want to leave their children and they shouldn't feel the need to do so! We live in a world with mental health and divorce on the rise and mums in full time work on the rise. No one seems to notice the correlation! Maybe she thinks her marriage, mental health (any idea how much of an upheaval moving miles away from family is? I've done it myself and it's hard) and possibly her future children are more important than her job!

      Delete
    8. 5:56 -- Isn't it possible that Abbie, like millions of other women, are smart enough to make their own informed decisions for their marriages and families? I went to a top law school, practiced for many years, then gave up my legal career to be a mom. Three cheers for moms who put their families FIRST.

      Delete
    9. anon@5:57 I am surprised your derogatory comments were posted as they are insulting towards women who work outside the home. You imply that they leave their children with just anyone and don't care about them. You also draw a conclusion that working moms are the cause of mental health issues and divorce. Your response to 3:59 is a complete overreaction and not in the spirit of a loving Christian.

      Delete
    10. But it's ok to slam stay at home moms?

      Delete
    11. Why were you sad? It has nothing to do with your life

      Delete
    12. I am sorry anonymous @ 3:19, but I totally disagree with you! You seem to be blinded by the ways of the world! 🙁 Anonymous @ 5:57 was so dead on with how things are! There should be a lot more sahm’s!!

      Delete
    13. @11:07-I think many of us would be “sad” for Abbie to leave a career she worked hard to have because John David wanted her to leave it. Especially due to the Duggars as a whole not valuing advanced education; giving up your dream and hard work due to someone else’s opinion is sad.

      Delete
  5. I am not in the US but am a registered nurse with a three year BSc degree, I have read that Abbie is an LPN which as far as I can ascertain does not require a degree programme. In the header above it says Abbie relies on her nursing degree so I was wondering what type of qualificaton she does have? I think its great that they both can use their skills to really help people in need in a practical way, far more beneficial than preaching or handing out tracts, this is really what the Bible means by love your neighbour, and being a light in the world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sharing the good news of Jesus is the most loving thing you can do for a person, but it should go hand in hand with showing God's love by meeting immediate needs. Material needs are important but temporary. Having eternal life and a personal relationship with God are for now and forever.

      Delete
    2. I am an LPN, I attended a local community college and have an AS degree. So yes, she could have a degree and still be an LPN.

      Delete
    3. I think that in the US an LPN has an associates degree, which is typically a 2 year program. To be an RN in the US, I ‘m pretty sure you need a 4 year Bachelors degree.

      Delete
    4. You can be a diploma LPN or an Associate’s degree LPN. You can also get an RN with just an Associate’s degree in the US, although many urban hospitals now prefer RNs with Bachelor’s degrees.

      Delete
    5. anon@6:58; I'm sure you mean well and are repeating what you've been told in your church. However, if we're being honest, most religions are not just sharing the good news of Jesus or advocating for a personal relationship with their God. They are actively trying to convert people and increase membership to their particular church. Many go so far as to label any other church or religion as "false" and that one's salvation depends on joining the "true" church. I know this because I once belonged to such a fundamentalist group that preached from the pulpit this very thing. They were intent on spending a great deal of money on "planting" churches around the globe. I came to understand that all of these different denominations, off-shoots, and groups can't all be 100% right. They could certainly all be very wrong in varying degrees. When I observed how the members were treated by the hierarchy, I knew this was not the answer to my spirituality. I also came to understand that spirituality is not contingent upon warming a church pew, paying tithes, following a certain doctrine, wearing a skirt, or answering to a priest, pastor, or rabbi. It doesn't involve handing out tracts or leading a prayer meeting. It may not even involve a belief in God at all. To me, it's what gives meaning to a person's life and that depends entirely upon the individual. I am a senior citizen and I know that for myself, I've learned to find joy in the moment, do my best to bring joy to others, appreciate the many wonderful things that life has brought to me, and try my best not to dwell on the negative.
      One of my favorite quotes comes from the amazingly wise spider in "Charlotte's Web", by E.B. White and I think defines the essence of my own spirituality:
      “After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.”

      Delete
    6. 6:58 is on target, because that's what the BIBLE says.

      Delete
    7. Just to clarify this over all... LPNs get a technical certificate if they have an associates it is in something other than nursing, RN has an ASN, then there is BSN which is a bachelor of science in nursing... I started as an LPN, now am an RN, will be an RN wiyh a BSN in August...

      Delete
    8. LPNs can get their diploma but don't have to get a two year associate's degree. It is basically a small step up from a CNA (changing linens, helping bathe/bathroom, some IV work). The LPN program is ONE year long.

      Delete
  6. Happy to see a mission trip that involves some actual hands-on helping and not putting on skits and painting fingernails. Hope they continue on this worthwhile path. Would they ever consider a humanitarian trip that doesn’t involve sharing the gospel? I’m not trying to start anything but am genuinely curious. I think that by going and administering to the needy is definitely following Jesus’ teachings and certainly more than most people do. Would people in need stay away if they think listening to the gospel is a requirement (sorry, couldn’t think of a better word) for treatment?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Are trips of this nature sponsored by a church group or do the participants pay their own way? Would they fundraise to cover costs and are the medical supplies donated? Do they need permits or visas to do medical work? I would really be interested in knowing the logistics of organizing a trip of this nature

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These trips are usually sponsored by some organization or religious group. The medical supplies are almost always donated. As for paying for the trip, it varies. Sometimes the people going pay their way other times the sponsoring group pays for their travel expenses. If they are doing medical work, the group would arrange for a permit for the medical professionals to provide services in the country where they are working. I'm not sure what happened about who paid their travel expenses on John and Abbie's trip.

      Delete
  8. Her reaction at the end, when asked if the decision was difficult, is very sad. No woman should have to feel that way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was HER CHOICE.

      Delete
    2. I agree, it was very sad.

      Delete
    3. Call the Women's March -- she made a choice to put her marriage above her career at this point in her life! If we can't respect that women can make their own choices, that means "feminism" is restrictive, not freeing, as it's purported to be.

      Delete
    4. When I got married my new home was too far away from the job I loved. Yes I was sad leaving a great job and great coworkers, but the sadness paled in comparison to the happiness of getting married and starting a new life with my husband. I’m thinking that Abbie’s feelings are along those lines.

      Delete
    5. Unfortunately we don’t always get a choice. Life hands us situations and we have to act. I gave up my career to homeschool my special needs daughter. It wasn’t an easy decision but it was the best and only logical decision. If Abbie wants to be a full time wife/mom and she has the opportunity to do that then we should be supporting her! That doesn’t mean she gleefully turned in her resignation. A new beginning, no matter how happy always means an end to something else and that can be bittersweet.

      Delete
    6. How do any of you know for certain Abbie was the one who decided to give up her career?

      Delete
  9. Why is that the Duggars always seem to pick Catholic countries for their missions? The Philippines is very Catholic. They are well served by their Church.

    In my country, a registered nurse must have a 4 year Bachelor's degree and then pass board exams. To become a paramedic, it takes 3 years plus written exams. I doubt that either John David and Jana are up to that level of training. They might know basic CPR but that't it. And I am sure the clinic requires workers with more than basic CPR. Abbie would not be considered a nurse here, more like an assistant.

    I have no problems with actually qualified nurses and doctors going on a "mission" to help the disadvantaged. I know several who go up north every year. But they are qualified and volunteer their services with no strings involved, no preaching and no religion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why can’t they share the gospel? No one has to listen to them, it’s not a requirement for treatment.

      Delete
    2. Christians help others in Jesus' name, and they do a great job of it. If you want to help people through a secular group, you're free to do so. We won't criticize that you don't tell them about Jesus.

      Delete
    3. 10:31 & 3:00- You are avoiding answering the question: Why would a country that’s overwhelmingly Catholic need to have Baptists (or anyone else) come and share the Gospel and preach about Jesus? Do you think Catholics are missing out on salvation because of their belief system?

      Delete
    4. In the US a registered nurse is only required to have a 2 year Associate's Degree. LPN is also a 2 year degree.

      Delete
    5. I have often wondered the same thing about the Duggar's mission trips. I wondered this back when Jill and Derrick used to be on the show and were living in Central America, where there is a large Catholic population. It seemed as though they were trying to take Catholics away from their own faith. Being a Catholic myself, I resonate with and appreciate their mission work, but does anyone know what the Duggars' views on Catholics are, specifically when it comes to their mission work?

      Delete
    6. @10:31 Yes, sitting and listening to the gospel lesson comes first before anything else they give out. Jill and Derick reported this themselves. I believe we discussed it at the time.

      Delete
    7. I am Baptist and I know many Catholics that are God fearing people. I believe they went were they were needed.Do you think those receiving care minded they were Baptist

      Delete
    8. 11:16 - The Duggars and Catholics disagree on points such as praying to saints or to Mary (intercession); that man can gain favor with God through their own works or through works of other "fallen" men; that you can come to God through anyone other than Jesus. The Duggars also don't believe that people like the Pope or priests are human representatives of God. Those are some pretty big disagreements, but no reasons to go to other countries and try to change minds.

      Delete
    9. 2:13- Thank you so much for responding! Those are some pretty different views, but it also sounds like there are maybe some misunderstandings of the Catholic faith in general. I agree, no reason to go to other countries to change minds. I hope that we can all be united in our shared Christian faith, so I do appreciate the dialogue that the Duggars present in their mission work. :)

      Delete
    10. Sharing dialogue is one thing. When you confront a Catholic and tell them they've been doing things all wrong, that's quite another.

      Delete
    11. I also wonder why they pick Catholic countries to go to. Last time I checked Catholics are already Christians.

      Delete
    12. It is interesting that the Duggars tend to go to countries, which have a large Catholic population already.

      If they really wanted to spread the Word, how about going on a mission to Pakistan? India? Jordon?

      Delete
    13. @9:54 RNs may only require 2 years in the US but in many countries in the world, nurses have to have Bachelor Degrees in Nursing, 4 years. They also have to have, before the start first year nursing have taken and passed physics/chemistry/biology senior high school courses.

      Those wanting to work, even with temporary work visa, must conform to the country's accreditation requirements.

      Delete
    14. It's probably for evangelization. A lot of people do that to evangelize. Im catholic and i dont really mind other Christians doing this

      Delete
  10. Typically, a LPN graduates with a diploma. I was one for 10 years before returning for my RN/BSN. The duration of training is usually about a year, but the difference is that LPN’s receive a lot more hands on bedside training, as that is the focus of their job. My experience as a bedside nurse (LPN), made me a much better RN. Both have their places in the nursing world. Too often LPN’s are regarded as “less-than”, when nothing could be further from the truth. Only the scope of care is different. All nurses still adhere to the Nightengale Pledge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We no longer have LPNs. Our nurses have to have Bachelor's degrees. And here, the nurses have "bedside" experience, as part of their training. They just to not spend 4 years in a classroom!

      Congrats on returning to earn your BSN. It is very difficult, after many years of being out of school, to return and handle the rigors of university as well as the course material. Our nursing students have to have a full suite of high school science courses, prior to acceptance into university.

      Delete
  11. I really hope she does go back to work after marriage and if they have kids I'm sure they could use other family members for child care

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What if Abby WANTS to raise her own kids? Would you look down on her or think less of her for that?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous 10:33. Are you implying that women who work don't raise their own kids?

      Delete
    3. Sadly it sounds like many on this blog look down at stay at home moms. Jennifer, please reconsider looking down your nose at those moms who want to be at home with their kids.

      Delete
    4. There's nothing wrong with her staying at home to take care of her children.

      Delete
    5. I gave up my career as a nurse just after sitting my masters degree in midwifery & it broke my heart to leave, but I had always said when I had children I would give up work to look after them. I was lucky to be able to spend 11 years in total being a stay at home mum, then my husband left & I financially had to go back to work as he wouldn’t pay child maintenance. I made sure I took a part time job so I was still able to drop my children at school & pick them up, & i was fortunate to be able to have school holidays off (I have no family at all to help with childcare). 12 years on from then I’m happy I have my job, I went on to do further study achieving my doctorate last year & now my children are away from home at university I do not know what I would do without it. I loved being a stay at home mum & would have liked to do it till my children were adults, however that wasn’t to be. I admire Abbie is able to stay at home, but I’m also sure at some point (maybe years down the line), she will be glad to have some sort of career to look back on. I was made to feel bad as a stay at home mum by fellow mums that worked, however the time I was able to invest in my children paid off immensely & both are doing very well for themselves. No one should be made to feel lesser as a person just because they want to stay at home & be a wife & mother, being a mother is & always will be the most important job I have ever had.

      Delete
  12. That is nice they did it together and helping people

    ReplyDelete
  13. I don't understand her response at the end of the video. Is Abby sad about giving up her job or isn't she? S. from Holland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think she has mixed feelings about it.

      Delete
    2. No, she is upset with her not working at the job she has now, I bet she will miss some of those patients, she took care of, but she will always do something with her Nursing Degree. Trust me, she will always use her skills, either out in the field, or get working were she lives!!! Abbie, is OK, OK!!!!!

      Delete
  14. I am 100% proud of U 2, spreading Jesus commandment, "To Love Each Other", so KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Why do you think the residents of Manila have spiritual needs that need addressing? Did they ask for this help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous @1:04, All humans have spiritual needs. Every person was born with a god-sized hole in their heart. Humans are comprised of body and soul. When you speak encouragement and life into the lives of others you are fulfilling a "spiritual" need. When someone is sufferring from an illness, they are susceptible to depression, fear and hopelessness. Medical missionaries have the opportunity to address their physical needs, pray for them and connect them with materials, organizatons and local (indeginous) churches to minister to their souls. Did they ask for help? YES! Other countries receive American healthcare teams with open arms. If you are a world traveler, you would be will versed in the lack of sufficient healthcare facilities and services for the general public. Use some of your online time to research the medical and spiritual needs of other cultures!

      Delete
    2. Literally everyone has spiritual needs that need to be addressed, regardless of what you believe. Physical needs will be met. No one is turned away because of what they do or do not want to hear. The point of these missions isn’t to create converts (at least it isn’t for the spiritually mature) it’s to be the hands and feet of Jesus... to love people and give your time and energy to something outside your self. I think it’s great to ask questions about motive but people who don’t believe tend to write off everything “Christian” as suspect and that isn’t a great approach because it immediately puts people on defense and good conversations never come out of one party feeling attacked.

      Delete
    3. The residents of every location in the world have spiritual needs.

      Delete
    4. 7:43- Who decides which people have spritual needs?

      Delete
    5. 1:17, no one decides. Everyone has spiritual needs.

      Delete
    6. @7:43 & 9:15 But everyone doesn't have YOUR spiritual needs, or the Duggars' spiritual needs, or any one particular religion's spiritual needs. So why do the Duggars and others continue to go all over the globe trying to convert people to THEIR way? If every religion did that, your doorbell would be ringing a lot more than it already is.

      Delete
    7. 12:06, because the Bible says to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, that's why. And the Bible pretty much covers every spiritual need a person has, starting with the basic need for a Savior.

      Delete
    8. Anon 1:49. So the Catholics don't have a savior? I thought they believed in Jesus like other Christians do.

      Delete
    9. There are many people who claim a church or go through rituals who never accept Jesus personally as the savior from their sins. It's just a tradition for them. I know former Catholics and others who'd been in church all their lives and never understood their personal need to put their trust in Christ for salvation until someone explained it to them.

      Delete
    10. Just to be clear, not everyone in the Philippines happen to be Catholic.

      Delete
    11. Although it should be said that somebody can be raised in any Christian faith and never understand Christ's role as Savior in their lives; it's not just Catholics. Plus, it is a Catholic belief that Christ is the personal Savior, whether a Catholic has been taught that growing up or not.

      Delete
  16. How about helping people right here in the USA first?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They have helped people here in the USA.

      Delete
    2. I often see comments asking why missionaries don't help people here in the USA. Mainly because many of the poorer countries lack the resources that the USA has. Most of us here have access to some sort of health care while some of the residents in the countries missionaries visit do not. Here in the USA we have a ton of organizations that are helping Americans.

      Delete
    3. Really? Besides a few days when the boys helped at weather torn areas and a trip to a soup kitchen in NYC years ago; not sure of any other mission visits in the USA?

      Delete
  17. You know if these comments were being made about any other group but Christians they would be labeled haters. So why is it ok to trash Christians?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That really is true. If people were criticizing Jews or Muslims, it wouldn’t be tolerated.

      Delete
  18. Missionaries do a lot of good things, but at the end of the day their underlying purpose to to convert the people they're in contact to their religious belief. "Saving" everyone is the goal of Christians.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was raised Christian and I never saw anyone from my church "saving" other people. Nor did I feel compelled to do that myself. That was not the focus of the church. We did good deeds in the local area but it didn't matter that we were from a church. We just did the work that needed to be done and whether or not the recipient was our faith didn't matter. We never once preached to them.

      Delete
    2. Christians goal is to love God & love people like Jesus loves them. If the love they show others often through time, care & meeting practical needs touches the receivers heart by that love, the receiver often chooses to be saved. Saving others is part of the gospel but importantly love undergirds it.

      Delete
  19. If their goal is to convert, why do they preach to already Christian people, as in the Philippines? Catholic Christians ARE Christian already. So, performing the medical assistance things, passing out candy is only to convert...what if the people state to them that they aren't interested in the least and are fine with their faith as it is, or no faith at all? Will these missionaries still give them medical care and clothing with the same 'heart'?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.