March may have come in like a lamb in these parts, but my body did not get the memo. I managed to contract the flu (though not, as far as I know, the one that has everyone in a tizzy). Two days after returning from our most recent trip I was down for the count. Two full days in bed, two more with frequent naps. So…this week’s curation is a bit more sparse than I’d like. (But then again, I’d like to be a bit less sick.) I trust you’ll put them to good use as you allow God to use you in caring for his sent ones.

Self Care

(Good spiritual hygiene for global workers)

The ability to return, the ability to recover, the ability to rebound—that’s how Jennilee Goodwin defines resilience for a missionary going back to the field. If you know someone in that category, you might want to show them this helpful post.

Peer Care

(Missionaries caring for one another)

The folks at Velvet Ashes realize that one of the best ways for missionaries to be nurtured and encouraged is through other missionaries. That’s why they created Connection Groups. Registration is coming up next week (March 10-11), so now is the time to check them out. Share this link with all the missionary women you know.

Sender Care

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

It is all but inevitable, and usually regrettable, that churches will need to remove a missionary from their support list. Tough decisions calling for wisdom and discernment. The latest issue of Postings from Catalyst Services will walk you through the key considerations in how to do that kindly and respectfully.

Before you know it the annual missionary home assignment cycle will begin. Make sure you are ready for those who will be returning to you. The folks at TEAM offer 8 helpful ideas in this post.

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!

Professional Care

(Professional level help)

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.

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.

The next opportunity to attend a Recalibrate! debriefing event will be March 29 – April 4. Only six lots available, and the deadline for registration is Match 22. You’ll find all the details here.

Want to be trained in debriefing? Paracletos is offering 4 opportunities this year (March, 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. 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)

“Many churches who call themselves sending churches are actually far from it…” Zach Bradely, from the Upstream Collective, offers a succinct and well-thought-out definition that you will want to have in your possession.. The Sending Church Defined is probably the best single source for explaining what a biblical sending church should be doing. There’s nothing else quite like it that I’m aware of.

That about does it for this week. Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this new format. And be sure to stop by every Friday for the latest resources that will help you care well for the missionaries you love.