Can you believe May is nearly gone? So many things on my get-around-to list that never came to pass. I hope that’s not the case for you when it comes to caring for missionaries. There are so many ways in which you can be a vital part of their lives and ministries right now. These resources are a good place to start.

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

Want to increase your effectiveness in caring for returning missionaries? Take a look at this post from Send International. Lots of practical ways for your church to receive returnees well.

 

Interpersonal conflict is one of the leading reasons missionaries quit. You may well find yourself in a position to mediate, in which case you will want to be well-equipped.

Conflict is inevitable. Peace is essential.

Brian Noble’s new book, The Path of a Peacemaker, will go public on June 4 and is available for pre-order now. Probably a good thing to have in your missionary care library, and at quite a discount.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

How can global worker women maintain intimacy with God on the field? And why is that intimacy crucial to their wellbeing? That’s the topic this author addresses in this revealing depiction of her daily life.

I found through experience how closely spiritual health is tied to physical, mental, and emotional health.

I bet you know some women on the mission field who would appreciate you forwarding this to them.

 

Scott Shaum has been writing a series on the importance of missionaries staying in God’s Word. In this post he links to an excellent sermon on the topic.

To know Jesus, he points us to the Scriptures. His word is where he meets on a daily basis.

Your friends on the field might appreciate listening to this.

 

Some famous philosopher once said that an unexamined life is not worth living. Maybe not entirely biblical, but scripture does encourage us to keep tabs on our relationship with the lover of our souls. One method that many have found helpful is the Daily Examen. In this brief audio clip Steve Smith explains how it works. You probably know someone on the mission field who would appreciate this.

 

SINGLENESS

Missionary life is challenging enough as it is, been when you must face those challenges alone they can be downright distressing. Jessica Markwood laments a bit on that reality.

Sometimes singleness is just miserable.

She goes on, however, to talk about how God met her during a particularly daunting time. Her story would be an encouragement to the singles you know on the mission field.

 

Continuing on that theme, Kelly Delp reminds single women that marriage is not a prerequisite for fulfilling their calling. Know anyone who could use this word of encouragement? Maria Mullet offers some useful questions for single women that can help them keep their status in perspective.

 

 

TRANSITION

One of the hardest parts of transition can often be not knowing what comes next. Michelle DeRusha does a great job of explaining how to deal with the ambiguity. Know anyone who would benefit from reading this?

 

He’s back…And with more of his trademark humor that makes his extremely practical advice even more of a joy to receive. Jerry Jones offers 10 tips for repatriating with dignity. You need to forward this to everyone you know who is returning to their passport country in the next month.

 

MKs/TCKs

Want to add to your skill set in caring for this unique category of missionaries? Need more resources to help you care well—like who to go to for coaching, re-entry help, or consulting? Then you should check out Daraja, founded and run by adult TCKs.

 

 

EVENTS

There is still time to register for the Wilderness ReBoot retreat to be held June 30 through July 6. For “Mk’s aged 21-25 looking to be challenged, deepen their relationship with God and seek His direction” in Alberta, Canada. Deadline to register is June 1.

 

Who could you send to this retreat? The folks at Thrive are hosting a four-day event for women in the Colorado Rockies July 15-18. And you won’t believe the price! You could sponsor more than one missionary for this incredibly refreshing experience.

 

Resilience is the buzz word these days in missionary care. How can missionaries develop sustainable lifestyles and ministry habits? The folks at CIT (Center for Intercultural Training) are offering a 2-week online course that your missionary friends can take later this summer (August 28-September 11).

 

CIT has also put together a one-week online course on culture shock that may be useful for someone you know. “Survival is not the goal; rather, the goal is to allow God to grow you in a way that prepares you to understand and love others around. They also have an upcoming online course on marriage that is geared toward long-term field workers. Sounds like it would be particularly helpful for those who are experiencing new challenges in their marriage since arriving on the mission field.

 

It’s not too early to begin making plans to attend PTM (Pastoral Training in MemberCare)– the one event we personally are determined to make every year. Join a few hundred member care people ranging from mulit-year veterans to newbies. One of the best and most practical events of its kind.

 

Marriage counseling is not just for couples who are experiencing problems. Any marriage can be enriched and revitalized through a good marriage retreat, like the one offered by Alongside. Coming up September 30-October 4. Who could you bless with the gift of this event?

 

Are you working with someone in the early stages of determining their calling? The Journey Deepens offers a weekend retreat designed to help people discern their next step. You might want to consider attending along with the person you are mentoring. Coming up in September, in Indianapolis.

 

Interaction International will be hosting a transition seminar for MKs/TCKs who will be re-entering the U.S. this summer. July 20-26 in Colorado Springs. You should consider sponsoring someone for this event. Research has shown that re-entry events are the most helpful resource available to young people transitioning back into their passport culture.

 

 

Thank you for allowing God to use you in the lives of his sent ones. I’m sure your friends on the mission field would thank you as well.

 

New on my bookshelf:

• Love Well: Living Life Unrehearsed and Unstuck, by Jamie George
• Innovation in Mission, by Jim Reapsome and Jon Hirst
• Serving Well, by Elizabeth & Jonathan Trotter

 

What I’m reading this week:

• Spring, A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Gary Schmidt ed
• Invitation to Retreat, by Ruth Haley Barton
• Desiring the Kingdom, by James K.A. Smith
• Formed for the Glory of God, by Kyle Strobel
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (updated), by Peter Scazzero
• The Return of the King, by JRR Tolkien

 

Recently finished reading:

• Tailor Made, by Alex Seeley
• Wisdom Meets Passion, by Dan Miller
• The Life of God in the Soul of Man, by Henry Scougal
• The Two Towers, by JRR Tolkien
• Dying Well, by John Wyatt
• This Is Marketing, by Seth Godin

 

Up next:

• The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown