You’d think I had never lived on the mission field in the early days of the internet. For the past couple of days we have had limited to no internet service, and I could hardly function! So my list is a little shorter this week than most, but I think you’ll find plenty of useful information in these resources.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Are you involved in preparing people to work cross-culturally? Josie Oldenburg has compiled a list of good questions they should be asking in order to better understand their host culture.

Susan Warren shares this humorous article about learning a new language. Good for your understanding of what missionaries go through, and good for your missionary friends as well.

What’s the secret to longevity on the field? Keep not quitting! That’s Sarah Bessey’s advice, and I’ll bet your friends on the field would find this encouraging.

Here’s another secret to persevering on the mission field: admitting when you’re exhausted. Ann Voskamp does a good job of expressing the permission that God gives to feel tired.

EQUIP YOURSELF

If you find yourself trying to help someone choose a sending agency, take a look at Rachel Pieh Jones’ strategic questions concerning their family.

Multicultural teams are becoming more and more common these days on the field. This book would be valuable to have if you are in any way preparing or caring for such teams.

Looking for professional help in caring for your missionaries? Check out Godspeed Resources Connection. Their team of credentialed practitioners cover psychiatric and psychological needs, mental health counseling, spiritual direction, and member care.

Have you ever thought of limitations as a gift? There are so many global workers out there, with so many needs… Caring hearts are stretched and challenged to try and meet them all. Scott Shaum has some words of wisdom concerning the limitations that God has imposed.

Planning to visit your missionary friends on the field? (It’s a great way to introduce your children to missions and missionary care!) Here is a great list of travel guides that might help you plan your trip.

Nurture teams (what we call advocate teams) – the key to providing soul care for global workers. Shepherd’s Staff talks about how to select team members in the fourth part of their series on the topic. (Make sure you read the other three as well.)

EVENTS

LeRucher debriefing events “serve to help cross cultural field workers ‘unpack’ their time in service.” The next scheduled dates are August 6-11 and October 29-November 3, both to be held in Clarkesville, Georgia, USA.

The most effective time for debriefing is typically 2-3 months after missionaries return from the field. That makes this event on September 4-18 ideal for those who will return this summer. Hosted by Heartstream, this is a two-week intensive care program which includes debriefing, 10 sessions of counseling, daily worship, and classes on various topics relevant to cross-cultural work.

“When a person tells his story and is truly heart and understood, he undergoes actual changes in his brain circuitry…” (Curt Thompson, M.D.) Debriefing is the chance for field workers to tell their story in a way that benefits them. Recalibrate! is an excellent opportunity for that. Registration for the October event in now open.

If you’ve found these Casual Friday resources useful, please share them with others you know who want to be better equipped to care for missionaries. Thanks!

What I’m reading this week:

• Th!nk, by Michael LeGault
• Winston S. Churchill: Youth, 1874-1900, by Randolph S. Churchill
• Consider Your Calling, by Gordon Smith

Just finished reading:

• 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
• Living Far Away, by Esther Abbott
• Moving Far Away, by Esther Abbott