The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. (Elie Wiesel) Wow. Such a potent statement! With all that is going on in our world these day—floods, fires, hurricanes, nuclear threats, ebola outbreaks, ad nauseum—it can be tempting to be indifferent. I mean, who has the emotional bandwidth to contemplate all that is wreaking havoc on our world, our loved ones, our belief systems? May God grace us with the ability to care.

Obviously there is a parallel here to missionary care. We would claim to love those with whom we have partnered in global work, but in practicality, are we more often indifferent? God forbid! Resources like these are chosen to make your caring effective.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Women on the mission field would benefit from the kind of connection that Velvet Ashes facilitates. Make sure your friends know about this resource.

Newcomers on the field should read Danielle Wheeler’s post about settling in. Good stuff.

Every missionary you know needs to practice this…and so should you. Erin Loechner, author of Chasing Slow, offers permission to take a break.

MKs and TCKs

Marilyn Gardner reflects on her memories as one who lives “between worlds.” Also notice the mention of a new version of Third Culture Kids that was just published. If you only read one book on MKs, make it this one.

TRANSITION

The Upstream Collective has put out an e-book titled Receiving Sent Ones During Reentry. It focuses specifically on global workers who return permanently. You should have a copy on hand and make yourself familiar with its excellent advice.

EVENTS

Coming to Peoria, Illinois November 16-19, the International Conference On Missions (ICOM) will include a missionary care track. You should consider attending. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Take a look at the women’s retreats sponsored by Azmera. They also offer opportunities for you to volunteer at the retreats, so there’s something for your missionary friends and for yourself.

MissionPREP offers pre-field training as well as debriefing. Their next debriefing event will be in December and is based on the DAR program at MTI.

LeRucher debriefing events “serve to help cross cultural field workers ‘unpack’ their time in service.” The next scheduled dates are October 29-November 3, to be held in Clarkesville, Georgia, USA.

EQUIP YOURSELF

Here is an incredible compilation of articles and resources put together by the folks at Member Care Associates. You will want to refer to this often.

If you have the opportunity to interact with younger MKs, you will appreciate Josie Oldenburg’s 10 ways to get them talking.

Every missionary needs a sounding board—someone who will listen to their problems without trying to solve them. Here is how Keith Webb says you can be truly useful in their lives.

Every missionary also needs the kind of friend that Dawn Camp describes in this post. Are you this kind of person? Would you like to be?

Now, perhaps more than ever before, your lack of indifference is imperative. Put your compassion into action.

New on my nightstand (books that arrived this week):

• The Space Between Words, by Michele Phoenix
• The Live You’ve Always Wanted, by John Ortberg

 What I’m reading this week:

• Living Far Away, by Esther Abbott

• Th!nk, by Michael LeGault
• Winston S. Churchill: The Challenge of War, 1914-1916, by Martin Gilbert
• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith

Just finished reading:

• Winston S. Churchill: Youth, 1874-1900, by Randolph S. Churchill
• Summer: A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Schmidt & Felch, eds.
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni
• How Is Your Soul?, by Judah Smith
• The Blue Parakeet, by Scot McKnight

Up next:

• Emotionally Healthy Leaders, by Peter Scazzero
• Moving Far Away, by Esther Abbott