Ah, the Spring doldrums. Weather that can’t make up its mind. Daydreams blossoming like dandelions, waiting for slightly warmer temps to bear fruit. March Madness is behind us (unless you apply that term to Mother Nature; then all bets are off.) One thing is for sure: missionary work goes on. And that means missionaries continue to count on your partnership to remain healthy on the field. Resources like these will help.

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Most missionaries have a deep desire to fit into their host culture. But that takes time, and it can be elusive for some women.

Loneliness and depression are major issues for women on the field.

These thoughts from a global worker in Togo will give you insight, inform your prayer life, and provide you with something to pass on to your friends on the field.

 

Taking Route has compiled a helpful list of ways to prepare for taking a new baby overseas. Items to take, attitudes to adopt. Who do you know that could use this information?

 

Stop blaming your host country! That’s Jerry Jones’ advice for missionaries who are tempted to blame their bad days, their bad attitudes, or their bad performance (which is pretty much all of them) on their host culture.

 

When Jesus talked about “the least of these,” is it possible that it may at times include a co-worker on the field?

It has been said the number one reason missionaries leave the field is conflict with other missionaries.

Abby Alleman challenges our thinking in this regard. Help stem unnecessary attrition; share this post with the missionaries you know.

 

Regular and adequate sleep is essential to maintaining physical, spiritual, and emotional health. “My name is Jenny R. Dorowska, and I am a Christian who has been studying the connection between sleep, soul, and body. For those who are interested in learning more about my experience kindly email me. Ask about my new article: Sleep, Body and Soul.”

 

 

RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Dr. Anna Hampton has some incredible resources on her web site related to living and serving in risky environments. If you are in any way involved with global workers in such places, you will want to keep this site “on speed dial.”

 

FUNDRAISING

The folks at Support Raising Solutions have put together some helpful suggestions for fundraising during home assignment.

 

MILLENNIALS

Do you work with young people? Craig Greenfield thinks you should know a few things about them, and why he believes they are set to bring some major changes to the world. As you read this, think about the implications for missions and the next wave of global workers.

 

MKs/TCKs

Moving your children abroad: Tips for an easier transition. Flor Garcia has some ideas that many would not think of on their own. Who do you know getting ready to head to the field?

 

Raising small children is a full-time job that can be daunting under the best of circumstances. For moms on the mission field, it can be even more difficult.

I was you for ten years. When I see you, I remember. This is what I learned, and this is what I want you to know today.

Amy Medina has some encouraging words that you may want to pass on to the missionary moms of littles that you know.

 

Peanut Butter Friends in a Chop Suey World. That’s the name of a book reviewed in this post. A book that you may want to have on hand if you work with 8-12 year old MKs.

 

Emily Steele Jackson offers ten things you need to know about teenage TCKs. Really good stuff here! Also check out Emily’s new novel, Home, James. It’s about an eighth grader who returns to the US after growing up abroad.

 

 

EVENTS

The folks at Interaction International are offering a transition seminar for TCKs returning to the U.S. It will be held in Colorado Springs, CO from July 21 through July 27.

 

There’s still time to register for the Velvet Ashes online retreat for women. You can do so here.

 

Sometimes the best encouragement is simply found in being together. Thrive retreats provide counseling, massage therapy, small group interaction, worship and prayer time, beauty care, and speaker sessions for women in cross-cultural ministry—all for $125! There is one coming up in Colorado in July, and one in the Philippines in October. Who would you like to send?

 

Elim retreats, a ministry of Barnabas, International, are held twice a year. “It is our heart to provide spiritual care to each missionary or global worker that participates in order to promote a time of rest, renewal, and restoration.” The next one is scheduled for June 10-15 in Wisconsin.

 

BUMP IT UP A NOTCH

This one could have just as easily been put under the Risk Assessment and Management heading. The folks at Protection Circle explain how anyone can improve their skills in spotting potentially dangerous people. It is a longer read, but very worthwhile for those you know who work in environments where they may be exposed to physical danger.

 

 

May the Lord of the harvest satisfy the desires of his heart in and through each of you, as you serve as expressions of his nurture and love.

 

What I’m reading this week:

• How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, by Gordon Fee
• Emotionally Healthy Leaders, by Peter Scazzero

• Winston S. Churchill: World in Torment: 1916-1922, by Martin Gilbert

Just finished reading:

• The Sin of Certainty, by Peter Enns
• Your Best Year Ever, by Michael Hyatt

• Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Gary Schmidt, ed.

• The Emotionally Healthy Woman, by Gerri Scazzero (read with my wife)
• Experiencing Grief, by H. Norman Wright
• Terrific! Five Star Customer Service, by Stan Toler & Keith Hawk

Up next:

• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith
• Spring: A Spiritual Biography of the Season, Gary Schmidt, ed.