The past two weeks in California were extremely productive for us as we visited with previous partners on the field, former missionaries, future missionaries, and current missionaries. We had the privilege of conducting a missionary care workshop at a large church, and we met some key individuals who will likely be impacting our ministry in the future. Every single day, every single interaction, reminded us of the importance of caring for those we send out. You are one of the ways God intends to nurture and encourage his co-workers in the mission field. By equipping yourself with resources like these, you will position yourself to make a strategic difference in the lives of global workers.

LIFE ON THE FIELD

Ah…good intentions. I’ve never met a missionary who planned to crash and burn. I’ve never met one who’s goal was to spiritually tank. But when it comes to self-care, life on the field has a way of blowing past the best of intensions. Kay Bruner offers this helpful guide for evaluating one’s personal care plan. Spread this one around.

Zach Bradley explains the difference between expectations and expectancy. One kills missionaries, the other creates them. You need to know which is which so you can walk beside your friends on the mission field.

MKs and TCKs

This book should be on the shelf of every person who cares about and works with missionary and third culture kids. Rachel Pieh Jones explains why you should get the latest edition.

Here’s a unique view of what it’s like to be a child growing up overseas. Anna McShane writes on behalf of her newborn grandson about his life in a foreign country. Insights you will appreciate.

TRANSITION

The never-ending cycle of transition affects those who live through it. Jerry Jones describes that effect in this older-but-never-out-of-date post.

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.

Know anyone ministering in Haiti? (Who doesn’t?!) A very difficult place to work, to say the least. Chances are they would benefit from the resources of Zoe Roots, including retreats like this one.

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.

The retreats sponsored by Thrive have a proven history of providing nurture and encouragement for women in over 38 countries. This testimony confirms that. Who might you send to a Thrive retreat?

EQUIP YOURSELF

The folks at Antioch Journey have posted a number of practical resources that you may find helpful as you partner with those who are in the field. And while you’re there, seriously consider joining the 31 day challenge.

Want to know what friendship looks like on the mission field? Rachel Pieh Jones paints a vivid picture in this open letter to her expat friends.

Missionary Jenilee Goodwin has some really good suggestions on how to make real connections with people. These are valuable insights for all of us who want to truly come alongside our friends on the mission field.

Amy Walters talks about 13 types of missionary prayer letters that should disappear. As one who likely reads many such letters, what are your thoughts on Amy’s suggestions? Perhaps you’d like to pass this on to your prayer letter-writing friends.

On the flip side of what not to write, Bethany Duval offers ten practical tips on what constitutes an effective prayer letter.

MISCELLANEOUS

The folks at Shepherd’s Staff offer six reasons why churches should publicly recognize those who refresh missionaries. Maybe your leadership should read this?

My friend Geoff Whiteman is working on his doctorate in missionary care. He could really use your help in getting his survey out there among as many missionaries as possible. Here is the link for you to forward to all your friends on the field.

Until next week, relish God’s grace, revel in your relationship with the Trinity, and continue to believe that your joy will spill over onto those friends with whom you partner in missions.

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

• The Space Between Words, by Michele Phoenix
• The Life 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:

• Not There Yet, by Perry Noble
• Writing a Winning Support Letter, by Mike Kim

Up next:

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