I have definitive proof that Spring has arrived: ladybugs. Or Asian lady beetles, to be more accurate. Our windows are covered in them as they seek to get back outdoors from where they have been overwintering. Hopefully you don’t have such distractions to deter you from the important work you do in caring for missionaries. Here’s the latest batch of resources to keep you engaged.

 

Shepherd Care

(How the Great Shepherd cares for his own)

 

Can silence be a way that God speaks? In practicing good spiritual hygiene, might words get in the way at times?

Even though he has the words he sits in silence, because the presence of each other is enough.

Joy Smalley explores that idea in this thoughtful post.

 

Transitions are opportunities orchestrated by God to foster our growth. But transition is not always something we embrace; sometimes we fight it.

What if we were to visualize transition as a coin, marked by resistance on one side and growth on the other?

Transition coach Tim Austin shares five reasons he has failed to grow in seasons of transition. Don’t let these be the case for you.

 

Self Care

(Good spiritual hygiene for global workers)

 

Love the Lord with all your mind. That is at least a third of the Great Commandment. So what are you doing to develop your mind? To advance professionally in your cross-cultural work? Amy Young offers 10 ideas for professional development that are worth investigating. (For you missionary advocates—forward this to the m’s you know.)

 

Ever consider the importance of grieving in maintaining spiritual health? Amy Young has, and she’s written about it in this Global Trellis article. She talks about “grieving muscles” and seven reasons you need to build them.

 

Here is a bi-weekly podcast designed to promote and nurture resiliency. And what missionary doesn’t need to be more resilient? Good stuff here, in 30 minute chunks.

 

Sender Care

(Resources to help sending churches care for their sent ones)

 

How much of the truth do you know about what missionaries feel when they return to the field after home assignment? This post will give you an accurate idea—and much prayer ammo.

 

Proactive debriefing? Yes, please! Gavin and Michelle McConnell make a case for enhancing the debrief experience by preparatory work before sending people to the field. This brief article will help you understand the importance of debriefing and get you to think about how you, as a sending church, can maximize its potential.

 

How do the needs of single females differ from other missionaries? How can you best support them? This post by Anna at the Upstream Collective will answer both questions. Now the next question is – What will you do with this information?

 

Want to learn how to better interact with TCKs? Take a look at this free workshop about storytelling. Sign up to receive word when the next one is available.

 

Here’s another resource that will help you understand what it’s like to be a TCK. Craig Thompson reviews this new one-person play by Lisa Liang (along with a caveat) that sounds like an immensely helpful tool. I just ordered a copy myself. If you do, let me know what you think.

 

Where could you send your missionary friends for a week of exquisite rest and relaxation? How about the Rocky Mountains of Colorado? Shekinah Ranch has opened the first of what it is planned to be several cabins in the high country northwest of Denver, and their rates are phenomenally low. Check it out and start thinking about who you could bless with a getaway.

 

Professional Care

(Professional level help)

 

Grace givers. That’s the name Gina Butz gives to those people who “walk with us, to be rocks we can rest on, to guide us back to Him on the days when it’s just too hard.” Transitions are often those kinds of days.

Transitions are meant to be shared and mutually carried. The more we receive grace from others, the more we become grace givers ourselves.

That’s when debriefing is invaluable. A chance to interact with a God-provided grace giver. And that’s exactly what Recalibrate! is designed to facilitate. Who do you know who should attend?

 

Much has been written about TCKs, but not so much about raising them. The folks at TCK Training are changing that. They have workshops, training events, a blog, and downloadable resources, among other resources. There is much available here that would benefit you in your interaction with TCKs, and you should tell every missionary parent about this as well.

 

I am registered for this phenomenal opportunity, and I’m taking a pastor with me (and he’s taking a member of his church as well!). Frontiers will be conducting a five-day conference next April called CareCon, “designed for pastors, church staff, family members, ministry partners, and anyone who wants to support global workers.” Will I see you there? I’d love to connect!

 

Debriefing is one of the best things a missionary can do for themselves while going through a transition. The folks at Barnabas, International will be hosting two more opportunities in 2020: Interlude will be held in June, and July. Check here for more information. You may want to begin planning now to send your favorite missionary to one of these—your gift to them.

 

Want to be trained in debriefing? Paracletos is offering 3 opportunities this year (June, August, and November). Openings for 6 individuals for each of these 5-day trainings. Comment below to ask for details.

 

Who do you know that could use some R&R? Paracletos offers top-notch hosting at Baan Sabai Lodge. Check the lodge website for available dates.

 

It’s not too early to start thinking about re-entry programs for MKs—like Reboot. (Check out their introductory video.) They have limited space for their program next summer, so early registration is encouraged. Who could you sponsor?

 

The folks at Thrive Ministry will be hosting 4 retreats this year: Colorado (USA), Croatia, Brazil, and South Africa. Did you know that you can volunteer to help staff those retreats? And did you know that you can sponsor someone to attend? Learn more here.

 

Book Recommendations

(Useful titles to have on your m’care bookshelf)

 

Here is another classic in the genre of missionary care, specifically for families. The Family in Mission: Understanding and Caring for Those Who Serve, edited by Leslie Andrews. This scholarly volume tackles such topics as assessing risk, promoting health, separation anxiety, stress and conflict, and more. Certainly a good book to thoughtfully work through.

 

 

That’s enough for now. Go put these to good use, and I’ll see you here next week.