We had some record-breaking cold this past week—and our first measurable snow of the season (a bit earlier than usual). We are approaching a time of year when we traditionally slow down a bit and think about what all we are thankful for. I am thankful for you, for your desire to care for global workers, and for your efforts to equip yourself to do that well. I’m willing to bet that the missionaries you love are thankful for you, too.

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

Are you interested in learning more about basic trauma interventions? How about vicarious trauma, or how to help children in crisis? Safe Place Ministry will be hosting some webinars that you may want to investigate.

 

Here is a resource you should become familiar with—and make sure the missionaries you love know about, too. Global Trellis is rapidly developing into a unique community of helpful experts on everything from MKs to spiritual formation, from grief and loss to financial issues. They offer focused monthly workshops, weekly articles, and quarterly challenges. Visit them frequently to stay abreast of all the new features they are adding.

 

PARTNERSHIP

Missionary newsletters are a vital link between global workers and those who partner with them. In this podcast from Shepherd’s Staff, host Bryon Mondok takes a closer look at missionary newsletters and showcases an excellent example. You might want to share this with the missionaries you know.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Sabbath-keeping is not a legalistic burden for global workers; it is an essential life-preserving practice. Failing to maintain healthy rhythms can be very detrimental.

Small leaks will sink great ships.

It is easy to give up once you have missed several cycles, but as Elrena Evans says in this post, “the promise of a repeated ritual is that you get a chance to try again.” Share this with everyone you know on the mission field.

 

There are days on the mission field that are overwhelmingly difficult, as Anisha Hopkinson relates so graphically in this post. In the midst of so many hardships, she is reminded that all of her days have been ordained by a loving Father. Who do you know who could use a refreshing reminder like this?

 

Chaos is all too often a way of life for missionaries. How does one cope in the middle of a storm?

Too often, I think we need the storm to stop for us to be quieted and calm.

Amy Young has some thoughts on the subject in this post over at the Global Trellis. The global workers you know would probably be encouraged by them.

 

TRANSITION

Beyond the mountains, there are mountains. Marilyn Gardner uses this Haitian proverb to describe the challenges of repatriating. We all know about culture shock for those who are entering a foreign land for the first time, but the pain and disorientation can be even greater for those returning to their passport country. Read this piece to help you pray effectively for those you know who may be dealing with “mountains” (or maybe soon will be).

 

On a similar note, Marilyn offers this post on what it’s like to live “between worlds.” Good prayer ammo here, too.

 

Disoriented by Disappointment: That’s the title of this poem posted by Anna Hampton.

He continues to lead…I continue to follow, despite the bitter taste in my mouth.

Unmet expectations can really do a number on anyone. They are particularly hard on missionaries returning to their passport country.

 

EVENTS

It’s not too early to start thinking about re-entry programs for MKs—like Reboot. They have limited space for their program next summer, so early registration is encouraged. Who could you sponsor?

 

Debriefing is one of the best things a missionary can do for themselves while going through a transition. The folks at Barnabas, International will be hosting three opportunities in 2020. Interlude will be held in January, June, and July. Check here for more information. You may want to begin planning now to send your favorite missionary to one of these—your gift to them.

 

The 7th annual SE regional MK retreat, hosted by Compass Ministries, is scheduled for February 14-16. Register or get more information here.

 

Learn how to facilitate debriefing of children at differing developmental stages. The Kids In Family Member Care program (KnF CODAR) will accepting registrations for their December conference in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Having taken a condensed version of this, I can’t imagine a better training opportunity.

 

You might want to look into this soon for the m’s you know working in southeast Asia. Field Life will be hosting a Momentum Men’s Conference on Borneo if March of 2020. Looks like a great opportunity for you to bless someone with a soul-refreshing getaway.

 

A special getaway for a limited number of U.S. and Canadian women who live and work cross-culturally: Thrive retreat in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Now open for registration. Who could you send?

 

This looks like a phenomenal opportunity to gain an overall education in missionary care. Frontiers will be conducting a five-day conference next April called CareCon, “designed for pastors, church staff, family members, ministry partners, and anyone who wants to support global workers.” I want to go!

 

Who do you know working in Europe or South America? Who would you like to bless beyond belief with the gift of retreat? The folks at Thrive know how to provide spiritual, motional, and physical care to field workers, and there are three upcoming retreats you should know about: one in Estonia, in October one in Croatia, in February of 2020; and one in Brazil, in April of 2020. You could pay someone’s way. Or—check this out: You could be a volunteer at one of these retreats and bless many people! Get the details here.

 

Thank you for caring; thank you for sharing these resources with others that you know who, like you, want to care well.

 

New on my bookshelf:

• The Voice of Jesus, by Gordon T. Smith
• Managing Transitions: Making the most of change, by Wm and Susan Bridges

 

What I’m reading this week:

• Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the seven stages of spiritual growth, by R. Thomas Ashbrook
• Serving Well, by Elizabeth & Jonathan Trotter
• Desiring the Kingdom, by James K.A. Smith

 

Recently finished reading:

• Autumn: A spiritual biography of the season, Gay Schmidt, ed.
• Souvenirs and Solitude, by Brennan Manning
• Formed for the Glory of God, by Kyle Strobel

 

Up next:

• Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller