Blizzards in April? For some, that may be outrageously abnormal. For those of us who have lived in the part of the U.S. susceptible to such weather, it’s par for the course. When it’s unexpected, it can be devastating; when it’s anticipated, it can be taken in stride. Kind of like the challenges that your friends on the mission field face. You can be a part of helping them be prepared by utilizing resources like these.

FUNDRAISING

As a financial partner of missionaries, do you realize just how strategic your friendship is? Catherine Morgan writes about the valuable role that such partners play in the success of any missionary. Be encouraged by her affirmation of your essential contribution to the cause.

EQUIP YOURSELF

“Are you dreaming of working abroad? Imagining serving God in another land? Or are you already on the field, unsure about what to do next or how to manage the stresses of cross-cultural life? Or perhaps you’ve been on the field a while now, and you’re weary, maybe so weary that you wonder how much longer you can keep going.” If you are involved in the life of anyone in any of the above categories, you’ll want to have this book, Serving Well, at hand. Written by veteran missionaries Elizabeth and Jonathan Trotter, this resource is one that you’ll probably want several copies of: one for yourself, and one for your missionary friends.

In case you’re involved in caring for someone who is part of a multi-cultural team, this article by Dr. Scott Moreau will help you understand the dynamics that will impact your care efforts. Scott walks us through the relational phases that teams go through, pointing out the challenges and the appropriate responses.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

What do global workers feel guilty about? More than you’d imagine. Jenilee Goodwin didn’t think she experienced much guilt. After all, she hadn’t engaged in anything criminal. But when she looked at the definition of built, she quickly changed her thinking. How might you help someone deal with their sense of guilt?

Sabbath? What’s that? Pastor’s wife Kate Merrick is not being entirely facetious when she asks this question. Prompted by the realization that neither she nor her husband or his two close friends could remember all ten of the commandments, Kate writes about the importance of this forgotten commandment. Good reminders here for all of us.

While many of us were trained in a modicum of basic community health issues, most missionaries are not professional public health servants. Someone who is (Marilyn Gardner) offers this valuable guide of basic cross-cultural health care principles. Who do you know that could use this information?

No missionary makes choices in a vacuum. Every time they say yes to God about something he wants them to do, there are others who are impacted by their decision.

Sometimes we need that nudge from a friend when we can’t see His goodness for ourselves.

Sarah Hilkemann shares about how she wrestled with this reality. What ways for you to walk with your missionary friends come to mind after reading this?

MKs/TCKS

Am I crazy? That’s a question many TCKs will ask as they try and sort out just who they are.

Many Third Culture Kids have lived lives of staggering contrasts.

Dr. Rachel Cason offers some helpful insights for any of you who interact with TCKs. This will be equally good for you to read as it is for them.

Can God provide for missionary kids with special needs? While we might automatically be inclined to say yes, C. Anderson’s post will provide you with many good reasons. Share this with those you know who are wrestling with this question.

What question do MKs tend to dread the most? Where are you from. Matilda Steele-Smith, who has spent 13 of her 17 years overseas, explains why. This will help you understand and possibly come up with some better questions to ask the MKs you know.

The ladies over at Taking Route have posted this humorous and helpful guide to recovering from jet lag when a toddler is involved. Know anyone who fits in this category?

Did you know that parents on the mission field can often feel guilty for subjecting their children to such a life? It’s true, and Ashley Felder does a great job of articulating that. She also offers some great advice for how to counter that guilt. Perhaps you know some missionary parents who would appreciate this.

TRANSITIONS

How long does it take someone to transition back to their passport country? And how might you be able to walk with them through the process in a helpful way

God has designed things in life with the need to have a season of winter in order to thrive.

Ruthie shares from her own experience in this Rocky Re-Entry post, one of the last she plans to write (because after 12 years, she feels her transition is finally complete).

EVENTS

Marriage counseling is not just for couples who are experiencing problems. Any marriage can be enriched and revitalized through a good marriage retreat, like this one offered by Alongside. Two events to choose from: May 20-24, and 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.

I hope you are not among those who have been adversely affected by the latest winter storm. But if you are, I hope you can appropriate the grace of God and experience his love in the midst of your circumstances. The same thing we pray for those global workers we know and love.

New on my bookshelf:

• The Gift of Wonder, by Christine Aroney-Sine
• Working From a Place of Rest, by Tony Horsfall
• Mentoring for Spiritual Growth, by Tony Horsfall
• Tables in the Wilderness, by Preston Yancey

What I’m reading this week:

• Desiring the Kingdom, by James K.A. Smith
• Dying Well, by John Wyatt
• Formed for the Glory of God, by Kyle Strobel
• The Two Towers, by JRR Tolkien

Recently finished reading:

• The Fellowship of the Ring, by JRR Tolkien
• Building a Storybrand, by Donald Miller
• The Bible Tells Me So, by Peter Enns
• Finish First, by Scott Hamilton
• Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help, by Hill, Hill, Bagge, & Miersma

Up next:

• Invitation to Retreat, by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown