Encouragement!?!

What is encouragement? According to webster, encouragement is the act of giving hope or promise.

Lately, I have had several people in the churches we have visited tell me that they want to be an encouragement to me. That's good news, right? Well, then they proceed to tell me how dangerous my field is, how poorly my children will be treated, and the difficulties in reaching the people!! What? This is not encouraging to me. Honestly, sometimes I have nightmares after talking to these people.

I got pretty upset about it. However, the Lord spoke to my heart last night and convicted me. I meet missionaries all the time. What kind of impact do I make when I speak to them? Do I encourage them in the Lord and speak of positive aspects of the ministry, or do I point out every difficulty in their path. Not only for missionaries, but to pastor's wives and, well, anyone. My prayer is that I would encourage people to do what the Lord would have them to.