He is risen indeed! It is good to remind ourselves often of that reality. Everything else of value in our lives revolves around that fact. It is also the ultimate motivation for everything of value that we do. As you utilize these resources and trust God to use you in the lives of global workers, keep in mind the “why” behind it all.

 

RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

These informative summaries and forecasts will be useful for assessing the level of risk your global worker friends may be facing.

 

Good communication is essential to maintaining spiritual health on the mission field. But good communication can be tricky in creative access situations. Here are some practical guidelines from Neal and Anna Hampton. Though written with leaders and field staff in mind, you will find some very helpful ideas to govern your correspondence with those you know in such venues.

 

 

LIFE ON THE FIELD

We (as well as missionaries) can easily imagine life and ministry in a foreign country as exotic. Being a global worker conjures up all kinds of images (and pressures) we don’t often think about. J. Windle writes about those times when global workers may question their role. You probably know someone who would appreciate this piece.

 

Taking photos on the mission field is normal. Newbies in particular are often awe-struck by the visual differences between their host culture and their home culture, which they want to document for all the folks back home. They also want to validate their presence in that place, possibly even show that they are working and deserve support. But in today’s world, everyone needs to stop and think before posting a photo—or even snapping it to begin with. I’ll let Jerry Jones take it from here.

 

Generosity on the mission field can be a confusing issue. Is it OK to give to the needy around you? How do you give without creating dependency? Denise James offers some helpful advice that you might want to forward to your friends on the mission field.

 

 

MILLENNIALS

Are you millennial missionary? Do you know any? Sarita Hartz would love to get your help with this survey. The more responses she gets, the more accurate a picture she will be able to paint regarding the needs of millennial missionaries.

 

 

MKs/TCKs

Do presentations to MKs about the difficulties of transition increase their angst? Michele Phoenix explores that question in this post. If you are in any way involved in the lives of MKs/TCKs, you’ll want to stay connected to Michele.

 

Tanya Crossman talks about how to make your home an emotional oasis for TCKs. While written primarily for the parents of TCKs, you will find this article helpful if you host TCKs. Read it for yourself, then pass it along to those you know raising kids on the mission field.

 

What do MKs who have homes in multiple cultures do with the human yearning for full belonging in one place? Michele Phoenix offers three options in this short video.

 

TCKs are often referred to as chameleons. Rachel Carson explains why. You need to know this about TCKs, and you should forward this post to the TCKs you know.

 

Jennilee Goodwin has put together a useful list of resources for missionary parents. Everything from songs to verses to books. Who do you know who needs this?

 

 

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.

 

 

EQUIP YOURSELF

Restored and Renewed should be on your list of places your missionary friends can find refreshment. “We provide resources that help missionaries and their families feel stronger, so they can stay longer to continue the work they began in their corner of the world.” Those resources include a free place of retreat in rural France, and online as well as in-person counseling.

 

Barnabas International offers an excellent assortment of tools to assist you in your efforts to care well for the missionaries in your life. A full range of topics and levels of understanding are represented in these documents.

 

There will be times, as you walk alongside your missionary friends, when you sense that more professional help may be in order. Kate Slater, with 14 years of on-field experience, is currently working on her counseling credentials under the supervision of Lon Marshall, LMFT, in southeast Iowa. She is offering one free office session for missionaries, with subsequent sessions available for only $25 each. This would be an excellent opportunity for those about to transition to the field, or for those who need a re-entry debriefing. If you live within a few hours of her, you should keep her information handy. She can be reached by phone at 319.895.2395, of by email at kslater@paloaltou.edu

 

And would you believe…another counselor just came to my attention this week. Jaja Chen serves from her office in Waco, Texas. She also can provide video-counseling to those overseas. Check out her bio; she has a lot to offer the missionary care community. You can contact her directly at this email address.

 

If you are ever called upon to come alongside a missionary that has experienced trauma, you will appreciate these resources from the American Bible Society.

 

Curious about debriefing? Craig Thompson has compiled an FAQ list of sorts, along with links to numerous debriefing opportunities that you will want to have on file.

 

 

BUMP IT UP A NOTCH

Ever heard of Influencers? They are a new breed of missionary, which means they will require a new breed of missionary care. Read this to get a good idea of what Influencer missionaries are. Then gather with your missionary care friends to begin thinking about the type of care Influencers will need and how you might deliver it.

 

 

May you have a joyous celebration of the resurrection as you gather with God’s people this weekend. And my that joy propel you in your efforts to care well for those you know who are representing the Risen One at the ends of the earth.

 

 

What I’m reading this week:

• The Sin of Certainty, by Peter Enns
• 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:

• 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.