Sixty degrees one day then—BOOM—snow and ice the next. The weather in these parts is rarely predictable. Just like life on the mission field. The best way to cope with the uncertainties is to adjust your mindset and decide to roll with the changes. Also have a game plan that is built around focusing on what doesn’t change, and good friends to walk alongside you in all the ups and downs. That last part, in particular, is the role you play in helping harvest workers build and maintain resilience, using resources like these.

 

PRE-FIELD

The road to the mission field can be long. So long it it discouraging at times. Eric Oldenburg talks about how to stay motivated when things take longer than expected. Know anyone who could use this?

 

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

There is no lack of articles about reflection and planning at the beginning of this new year. Greg Richardson offers a list of 12 questions that your missionary friends may find useful. You may even want to use them yourself.

 

We are holistic beings, and we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. There is no way our bodies can be left out of that equation. Yet life on the mission field often squeezes out time or even thoughts for physical exercise. Brian Johnson explains why staying fit should be part of your missionary friend’s self-care plan.

 

It is required of a steward to be found faithful. Not productive, not sexy. You probably know global workers who tackle the challenges of the mundane on a regular basis. Their lives do not provide material for sensational prayer letters or viral blog posts. That is precisely why you need to encourage them with this reminder from Erin Duplechin.

 

Motherhood has plenty of challenges in one’s home culture. Obviously there are many aspects of having and raising children on the field that can be concerning, even scary. Elizabeth Spencer talks honestly about the fears of expat new moms in this post.

 

 

SINGLES

Being single has its own challenges on the mission field. This anonymous article asks some deep questions that should be addressed before they head out. Might you be the one to ask someone?

 

Grace Thronton weighs in with this piece about why the missions force is incomplete without single people. Know any singles who would be encouraged by this?

 

 

 

MKs/TCKs

Departure skills are important for MKs to acquire, as Marilyn Gardiner explains. Parents can help take the edge off of near-constant change in their family life, and that will go a long way toward raising resilient children.

 

 

 

TRANSITION

Is there life after the mission field? Is there life after this life? Sometimes the rush and adventure of overseas living can leave one feeling empty when it’s over. Danielle Krouch has some good words for those you know who may be leaving the field.

 

Transitioning off of the mission field can feel like being in the wilderness, as Elizabeth Forshee explains. All transition involves loss, and all loss involves grief. Share this with those you know who have or will soon leave their place of ministry.

 

M’lynn Taylor talks about the need to seek orientation in transition. Not always an easy task. Her words should be an encouragement to all of you who come alongside those who are trying to find their way.

 

 

 

EVENTS

MK retreat, sponsored by Compass Ministries, February 16-18.

Come join us and experience a weekend of deep worship and meaningful connections with your fellow MK/TCKs. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Epworth in St. Simon’s Island.

 

It’s 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. You won’t find a better bargain! Will I see you there?

 

Know anyone who as recently returned from the field? They may want to know about the re-entry debriefing program offered by Train International. The next event will be February 18-23 in Joplin, Missouri.

 

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.

 

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

Here’s a new book you might want to acquire. Receiving Them Well is “a guide on how to support your loved one returning from humanitarian and/or missionary work.” Published in November, it’s already on my wish list.

 

Travel insurance can be a wise investment for you when you go to visit your friends on the mission field. And they may well plan to get some for themselves. But where do you start to find what’s best for your needs? Here is a handy comparison chart for the best options.

 

You need one of these for when you go visit your friends on the mission field. Actually, they could use it, too.

 

We, all of us Christ followers, are engaged in a war. You and I have friends who are fighting battles at the “ends of the earth.”

We are in a war and renewal through deeper communion with God and others is key to finishing the fight well.

Scott Shaum’s admonition will prod you to disciplined vigilance—and you will need that if you intend to care well for missionaries.

 

 

May the Lord himself impregnate you with his dreams. May he have the pleasure of seeing those dream come to fruition. And may he be pleased to have you working alongside him as he nurtures the souls of his harvest workers.

 

 

 

What I’m reading this week:

• Messianic Christology, by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
• 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

Just finished reading:

• 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