I’ll keep this on the short side since Christmas is upon us. Still plenty of useful stuff to enhance your care for global workers.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Know anyone who will be spending their first Christmas on the mission field? They might appreciate these thoughts from Mike Gaston. He’s been there, done that.

 

Here’s another practical piece from Rachel Pieh Jones on how to make the most of Christmas abroad. There’s still time for you to forward this to your friends on the field.

 

Jodi Harris suggests the trading of New Year’s resolutions for these fifteen questions. Really good idea; see if you agree.

 

Those who are more often on the giving side of the equation (like missionaries) often struggle with being on the receiving side.

When we receive a gift well, it offers the giver a chance to revel in your delight.

Anna Rendell has some choice words to say about that in this article.

 

 

TRANSITION

Transition expert Jerry Jones reposted this classic piece about the questionable wisdom of a quick trip home for the holidays. In case anyone ever asks for your opinion…

 

 

RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Airport and travel security is a topic of concern for many missionaries. Stratfor offers this good advice about how to stay safe at any airport.

 

 

EVENTS

MK retreat, sponsored by Compass Ministries, February 16-18.

Come join us and experience a weekend of deep worship and meaningful connections with your fellow MK/TCKs. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Epworth in St. Simon’s Island.

 

It’s not too early to start making plans for February. In fact, if you don’t start now, this opportunity may get lost in the holiday shuffle. The annual Midwest Conference on Missionary Care will convene February 23-24 in the Minneapolis area. The topic: The promise and peril of team life. You won’t find a better bargain!

 

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

 

Here’s a post that I wish didn’t need to be written. Amy Young probably feels the same, and she penned it! This is about sexual impropriety, and yes, it happens among missionaries. This one needs to be widely shared.

 

Adriel Booker offers fifteen ways to bless a missionary. You still have time for several of these. Bookmark the rest for next year.

 

Here are ten ways you can encourage your missionary friends—this week, or any time.

 

 

FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF

The folks at Catalyst Services have compiled their annual list of best missions books. You might want to take a look. There’s even one about missionary care.

 

 

UP YOUR GAME

In your efforts to be of help to global workers, remember to remind yourself. As Scott Shaum reminds us in this post, refreshing the memory of believers about Gospel truths is a key component of a shepherding ministry. So practice remembering for yourself, then go refresh others with what has refreshed you.

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Danielle Wheeler wrote this to thank the unsung heroes of missionary work. You are among them!

 

And here’s one last little bit “just for nice.” See if it doesn’t warm your soul as it did mine when I first read it. And as it has continued to do each time I’ve read it since.

 

 

May the Lord grant you your heart’s desires. And may the desire of the Lord’s heart find fulfillment in and through you. Merry Christmas, advocates! Don’t hurry the season. I’ll see you again after the first of the year.

 

 

What I’m reading this week:

• Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book
• Favorite Christmas Stories, Frances Cavanah, ed.
• Comfort Ye My People, by Kay Bruner
• Messianic Christology, by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
• Those Who Wait, by Tanya Marlow
• The Emotionally Healthy Woman, by Gerri Scazzero (reading with my wife)

• Winston S. Churchill: World in Torment: 1916-1922, by Martin Gilbert
• The Uninvited Companion, by Scott Shaum

Just finished reading:

• Touching Wonder, by John Blase
• Treasury of Christmas Stories, Ann McGovern, ed.
• Especially At Christmas, by Celestine Sibley
• In the Manager, by Max Lucado

• The Birth, by Gene Edwards
• Seeker of Stars, by Susan Fish
• Cosmic Christmas, by Max Lucado
• The Innkeeper, by John Piper

Up next:

• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith

• Emotionally Healthy Leaders, by Peter Scazzero
• Living Far Away, by Esther Abbott
• Moving Far Away, by Esther Abbott