The flu visited our house recently, just like quite a few others, evidently. The onset was dramatic, and the recovery abysmally slow. So many parallels to “diseases” on the mission field. When you’re sick, you want someone at your side. Someone who will dote on you a bit, care for you a lot, fuss over you a fair amount. Be that someone for a missionary experiencing soul maladies. Equip yourself to care well with resources like these.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Here is a blessing for one who is exhausted. What missionary wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of this?! Send it to all the global workers you know—praying as you do it.

 

Leslie Verner wants to challenge your understanding of calling. She thinks the missionaries you know should make the same radical shift that she has. What do you think? Know anyone who would benefit from this?

 

Ever wonder what life is really like for those women who serve in Muslim contexts? This article by Colleen Thomas details her challenges. Your prayer life will be stimulated by reading this.

 

Sometimes Mary Carver feels like she’s being chased by wolves—and she’ll never be out of the woods. That’s a pretty good way to describe what many missionaries feel. Pass this along to those you know who could use a little encouragement.

 

Is being worn out a sin? Something to be ashamed of? Do you know anyone on the field who struggles with guilt for being overwhelmed? Danielle Wheeler has something to say to them.

I have the freedom to fail, the freedom to rest, and the freedom to simply follow Jesus.

Share this, and when you do, make sure your missionary friend knows they have your permission to be tired.

 

Life on the mission field has a way of magnifying shortcomings, shortfalls, and lacks of all sorts. Scott Rodin challenges us to pray this prayer every day for a week (but why stop there?). How ‘bout you challenge the global workers you love—then ask them in a week or so how this has affected their lives.

 

Expectations and comparisons: two sides of a deadly coin. Rachel Pieh Jones talks about the “grass is always greener” syndrome that so easily besets field workers.

 

It is important for missionaries to continually add to their education and skill set. But professional development can be a challenge at times on the mission field. Amy Young offers ten ideas that you may want to share.

 

Middle Earth and the ends of the earth. Jaclyn Parrish suggests that Tolkien’s tales are the ideal companion for global workers. What can you see on the horizon?

 

What is missionary success? Ken Guenther explores a variety of common responses, then offers a better alternative. This would be good for any missionary to read and think through.

 

We talk a lot about Sabbath at Paracletos. That’s because it is one of the most vital yet least practiced disciplines for maintaining good spiritual health. This piece by Mike Glenn reinforces that thought in this post.

 

Grief and loss is a recurring theme in the realm of missionary care. American culture does not teach us to grieve well. We attempt to avoid, deny, or sanitize our grief instead of facing it and allowing it to do its good work in us.

When we don’t grieve, we don’t create space for the new possibility. We hold onto the old. We don’t let go.

Erica Schreiber has some challenging words to say on the subject. And as a bonus, there is a free ten-minute meditation at the end of the article. This is something we can all learn from.

 

 

FUNDRAISING

Network for Good has compiled The Complete Donor Thank You Guide, and it is worthwhile reading for every missionary on support. Saying thank you never seems like enough, but these creative ideas will help express a thankful heart. And if you like this, you should check out Network for Good’s web site for more great resources.

 

 

MKs/TCKs

Michele Phoenix does it again! This time she’s over at A Life Overseas where she talks about 6 permissions most missionaries’ kids need. Good stuff for missionary parents; good stuff for those who interact with MKs.

 

 

EVENTS

There’s still time to register for the annual Midwest Conference on Missionary Care to be held February 23-24 in the Minneapolis area. The topic: The promise and peril of team life. An excellent opportunity to rub shoulders and compare notes with them that’s doin’.

 

Train International offers a pre-field program that addresses spiritual formation, personal identity, stress management, and interpersonal conflict (among many other topics). All vital for those heading into cross-cultural work. Their next event will be April 23-May 6. You can find more information here.

 

ReBoot is a re-entry program for MKs 17-35. Two opportunities to choose, and a special wilderness experience option. Spread the word to any Canadian missionary familes you know.

 

LeRuche debriefing events will be held in North Georgia three times this year: once in May and twice in August. Check their web site for dates and more information.

 

 

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

Ever heard of a “no mentor”? Emily Freeman thinks everyone should have one. I think every missionary needs one. Could you be this person for your friend on the mission field?

 

 

UP YOUR GAME

Jeff Jackson over at Shepherd’s Staff talks about on-field, care-focused visits to missionaries in this provocative piece.

An on-field, care-focused visit from one or two pastors or leaders is one of the most powerful ways to pour out a special blessing on their members serving overseas.

What’s keeping you from sending someone?

 

I’ve mentioned Scott Shaum’s book on adversity (The Uninvited Companion) in previous posts. Sarita Hartz conducted an interview with Scott recently that is a must read. You will, sooner or later, be called upon to minister to a missionary that is suffering. You will find Scott’s insights invaluable.

 

I hope you are well. I hope you are thriving spiritually, emotionally, and physically. And I hope that the overflow of your wellness will infect those missionaries that God has put in your path.

 

 

 

What I’m reading this week:

• Ali and Nino, by Kurban Said
• 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
• Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Gary Schmidt, ed.

Just finished reading:

• Messianic Christology, by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
• Those Who Wait, by Tanya Marlow
• The Case for Christmas, by Lee Strobel

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