Casual Almost Christmas Friday

Dec 16, 2016 | Casual Friday

As you go about your seasonal activities, as you shop and wrap and ship, as you ponder the last minute hard-to-buy gifts, here are some things to keep in mind. You are the best gift you could ever offer your missionary friends. Knowing that you are thinking of them, praying for them, looking for ways to encourage and nurture them…nothing could be better.

 

Seriously – you need to slow down

Not only do most missionaries need to hear this, most of the rest of us do, too. Challenge yourself with this read, then forward it to your friends on the field.

 

The hardest part of traveling

Kellie Donnelley talks about what few others do: the difficulty of returning. Increase your insight into what life is like for your missionary friends who are returning to their passport country.

 

I signed up for this?

Anisha Hopkins puts things into perspective with this piece on the unthinkable. There’s a pretty strong chance that the global worker you love struggles with these issues.

 

Incredible internship program

SEND International offers a 12 week program that provides potential missionaries an incredible taste of ministry in Japan. Know anyone who would be interested?

 

Everyone has issues…

…and moving overseas won’t fix them. Jerry Jones reminds us of several easy-to-believe lies that potential missionaries often believe.

 

The power of togetherness in cross cultural worker care

That’s the theme of an upcoming conference in Toronto, Canada. Register now for a discount for this February 25 event.

 

The truth about being a missionary at Christmas

While this is not true for everyone, many global workers will resonate with what Deb Wyss shares in this post. How might you be of encouragement to someone in her situation?

 

How to stay married

OK, that’s not exactly the theme of Sarita Hartz’s post, but her suggestions for what couple should do every day will contribute to that end. Basic stuff? Perhaps. But all too easy to let slide on the mission field. Don’t let your friends slide.

 

Singles on the field

They do not want to be pitied. Neither do they want to be stereotyped. Amy Young’s article talks candidly about her experiences as a single woman on the field. Read for insight, then follow God’s prompting.

 

Best missions books of 2016

At least according to the folks at Catalyst Services. Which of these do you need to add to your library? (You are planning on expanding your understanding of life on the field, right?)

 

Creative gift guide

Here’s a batch of great ideas for blessing the missionaries on your gift list this year.

 

The gift within

Christmas can be hard when missionaries focus on what they’re missing “back home.”

We little band of nomadic overseas workers lose a lot

Beth Gregory offers an antidote.

 

As you contemplate and celebrate the greatest gift ever given, consider how you can be a gift to those you know serving overseas. Spread the joy!

 

What I’m reading this week:

  • 25 Days of Advent
  • Touching Wonder, by John Blasé
  • Finding Christmas, by James Schaap
  • The Greatest Gift, by Max Lucado
  • You Are What You Love, by James Smith
  • Moments With the Master, by Ken Gire
  • Called to be Saints, by Gordon Smith

Just finished:

  • The Glory of Christmas, by Swindoll, Lucado and Colson
  • In the Manger, by Max Lucado
  • Cosmic Christmas, by Max Lucado
  • Favorite Christmas Stories, various
  • Treasury of Christmas Stories, various
  • Do You See What I See? by Ross Parlsey
  • Kneeling in Bethlehem, by Ann Weems
  • Seeker of Stars, by Susan Fish
  • The Innkeeper, by John Piper
  • The Gift of Christmas Present, by Melody Carlson
  • The Christmas Bus, by Melody Carlson

Up next:

  • Seven Days That Divide the World, by John Lennox
  • Delighting in the Trinity, by Michael Reeves