Every time I interact with a missionary I am reminded how vitally important it is for them to have a solid network of care providers standing with them. You are part of someone’s network. Maximize your potential for helping them thrive with resources like these.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Life on the mission field can shake one’s theology to the core. That’s why it’s important to have a solid core, as Jerry Prenzlow discusses in this piece.

Resiliency, or the ability to bounce back, is absolutely vital on the mission field. But it doesn’t come naturally. Kelly Delp offers four ways to develop that ability and keep it in prime condition.

EQUIP YOURSELF

Missionaries need all kinds of support. What happens when it is lacking? Keith Smith talks about that in this podcast.

Does the fear of backlash or losing support lead missionaries to begin walking in isolation?

You will not regret listening to the whole thing.

How would you counsel a couple when they disagree about going to the mission field? Craig Greenfield has some good advice.

Want to be a phenomenal friend to some missionary? Whitney Putnam talks about “creating intentional time for unintentional conversation.”

Picking up some coaching skills could really enhance your care of missionaries. Patricia Clewett explains.

Sometimes when you come alongside a global worker for the sake of caring and encouraging, you discover they have needs beyond your ability to address. That’s when you need to know about places like Alongside. Keep this reference handy.

And while you’re at their site, check out their list of recommended reading. You’ll find books on every topic related to missionary care.

FUNDRAISING

Know any missionaries trying to raise support? (Know any who aren’t?!) You might want to share this article with them. It’s about how to move beyond a verbal commitment to an actual donation.

TRANSITION

Resilience is vital to every phase of missionary life. But perhaps the need is compounded during times of transition. Jenilee Goodwin can help you understand why, and how you can encourage your friends who are in transition.

Want to know how it feels to be a missionary coming back? Ruthie’s post would be a good place to learn. It would also be a good thing to pass along to your friends who are transitioning.

This series of podcasts from Jeff Jackson at Shepherd’s Staff describes quite well what it is like to return from the mission field. In a nut shell—it is much more difficult than going overseas to begin with. Be sure and listen to all three parts of this series.

EVENTS

As many are preparing to return for a season of home assignment, now is the time to plan for debriefing.

The goal of missionary debriefing is to ensure these faithful servants are REFRESHED and REALIGNED–for the next season of life and ministry that God has in store for them. (Shepherd’s Staff)

Recalibrate! is one opportunity for singles, couples, and families with children age 13 and up. It will be held in Michigan in October, and early registration is advised.

July 9-14 is TRAIN International’s next ABIDE re-entry debriefing for global workers. ABIDE provides 5 days during which participants are able to process their cross-cultural experiences in both group and individual debriefing. Whole families are welcome

MK Transition seminars:

“The Barnabas International TCK/MK Transition Seminars are designed for third-culture kids (TCKs) and missionary kids (MKs) who have just completed their high school experience overseas.” Two opportunities this year: July 9-21 at Cedarville University, Ohio, and July 16-28 at Biola University, California.

Interlude Debriefing Retreat, sponsored by Barnabas International. For singles, couple, and families. July 31 – August 3 in Littleton, Colorado.

You can never care too much. Thanks for continuously growing in your effectiveness.

What I’m reading this week:

• Winston S. Churchill: Youth, 1874-1900, by Randolph S. Churchill
• Breaking the Rules, by Fil Anderson
• The Blue Parakeet, by Scot McKnight

Just finished reading:

• How to Lie With Statistics, by Darrell Huff
• The Cure, by John Lynch
• Communicating For Change, by Andy Stanley
• The Dip, by Seth Godin

Up next:

• Th!nk, by Michael LeGault
• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith