Seems like Spring cannot make up its mind this year. One day it’s 80 degrees, the next day it’s snowing. Sorta like the unpredictable life of a global worker—like those with whom you partner. You can help them cope by learning more about their realities, and by passing on some of these resources.

 

PRE-FIELD

If you know someone who is planning to work in the Muslim world, you may want to check into this 3-month training program from Studio Internship. Modules cover everything from Islamics to security, suffering, and risk. And for a really radical option, you could go through the training with them! That would give you so much insight into their ministry lives, and increased credibility and effectiveness in coming alongside your friends on the field.

 

What does a missionary need to know about spiritual and emotional health before they get to the field? The folks at sixteen:fifteen will feature Jeannie Marie, author of Across the Street and Around the World, as she explores “five crucial areas where we must gain emotional freedom and balance.” Online June 19 – and it’s free!

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

What are the greatest challenges faced by missionaries in their first 30-90 days in a new country? Justin Long compiled the answers from a survey he conducted. The results will provide you with useful prayer points for the new field workers you know.

 

Here is a brief overview of some of the most common and pressing needs that missionaries deal with. Not only will this enhance your prayers, it can serve as a catalyst. How might you be able to come alongside your missionary friends in these situations?

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Can introverts be missionaries? Maybe that’s not a question you’ve ever been asked, but Sarah Hilkemann has asked herself plenty of times. If you want to know the answer, you’ll have to read her post. You will find it helpful in dealing with the introverts you know who feel called into missions.

 

Loneliness is one of the major challenges that field workers encounter. Not simply because they are alone (they often are), but because they are the only people like themselves in their setting.  “With Inc. is here to come alongside, listen, facilitate and give resources to those in vocational ministry.” Check out this group. They offer a blog and retreats designed to help field workers deal with their unique struggles.

 

Do you know a missionary who needs permission to wonder? In case that sounds a little odd to you, read this post from Christine Cain’s site. The concepts apply every bit as much to field workers whose work never seems to end, as many Americans can relate.

 

A pastor committing suicide? How about a missionary? Don’t think it doesn’t happen. Unrelenting pressure can lead to some very unhealthy outcomes. Kayla Stoecklein, a pastor’s widow, talks about the importance of tending to one’s mental health. How can you help facilitate this for the missionaries you know?

 

Do missionary newsletters need to be spectacular? (I sure hope not, or most of mine would not qualify!) Rachel Grossman, missionary in Alaska (how spectacular is that?!) dispels the myth in this post. You might want to share this one with those you know who must write newsletters.

 

TRANSITION

Know anyone who will be transitioning back to their passport country permanently? The folks at Velvet Ashes have a new resource for them. “This daunting process can be a mix of grief and joy, relief and disappointment. We want to come alongside you in your re-entry journey. That’s why we have designed a special re-entry toolkit for you!”

 

EVENTS

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.

 

Early bird discounts have been extended until May 25 for this workshop in Manitoba, Canada. Debriefing 101 will be presented on Saturday, June 22. If you are close enough to attend, this could be a great opportunity to acquire some basic skills that will serve you well in caring for missionaries.

 

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).

 

It’s not too early to begin making plans to attend PTM – 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.

 

In the midst of all the uncertainties of missionary life, one thing remains absolutely certain: God’s love. He loves the world, and he loves those he sends out to proclaim that love. Thank you for facilitating that love.

 

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:

• 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