A lot of you may be stuck at home. Great! Use the time to connect with global workers, many of whom are also on lock-down. Use whatever mode of communication they prefer (Skype, Zoom, Whatsapp, phone text…) and let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. Then dig into these resources to see what else you can do to help missionaries get the care they need.

 

Shepherd Care

(How the Great Shepherd cares for his own)

God is in control of all things—but does that reality bring solace? If you are among the multitudes who just don’t find much comfort in that fact, this challenge from Dr. Scott Rodin would be worth reading.

We’re not sure that God’s being in control is better for us than if we were.

At issue, Scott contends, is the matter of stewardship (as opposed to ownership). How does this post draw your heart to the Great Shepherd?

 

Self Care

(Good spiritual hygiene for global workers)

Many of the resources for coping with this pandemic are unavailable to global workers. So how can they care for themselves? Jennilee Goodwin offers 20 good ideas in this post. Share this one with your missionary friends.

 

I admit that this is a secular article, but I believe you can draw some biblical parallels. There are a lot of things to worry about right now; most of them will not come to pass. We cannot help being worried, but we can learn how to deal with worry in a healthy way. In addition to what Minda Zetlin suggests in her piece, I would add that you take the list (or the journal entries) before the Lord and “off-load” them. Cast all your cares upon the One who cares for you.

 

Even the world is inclined to believe that laughter is the best medicine. Turns out the Mayo Clinic thinks it’s a pretty good stress buster, too. How might you be able to increase your liturgy of laughter? (Old Carol Burnett videos, anyone?)

 

You may not realize it, but grief is one of the major complications of living within a pandemic. I’ll let Sarita Hartz explain. She not only says why, but she also shares practical ways to deal with it. You know what to do with this…

 

Peer Care

(Missionaries caring for one another)

Unable to meet in person for mutual encouragement and accountability? Longing for interaction when face-to-face is not an option? Then the Velvet Ashes retreat is perfect for you! Women from around the world will meet virtually to share their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs. You can sign up here.

 

Sender Care

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

How do you care well for your sent ones during COVID-19? Larry McCrary, from the Upstream Collective, has posted a 45-minute video on that very topic, complete with a Q&A session.

 

Ever wonder what transition is like for a global worker? Well, if you are affected by the COVID-19 restrictions (and who isn’t?) you may have a better idea than you realize. In this article Helen Watts does an excellent job comparing the two. How will you utilize what you learn?

 

Professional Care

(Professional level help)

For obvious reasons, all events at Baan Sabai Lodge (Recalibrate! debriefings, debriefing training, guest hosting) are on hold until further notice.

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: (Lord willing) 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.

 

It’s not too early to start thinking about re-entry programs for MKs—like Reboot. (Check out their introductory video.) At this point they are still planning to host their program this summer. Who could you sponsor?

 

The folks at Thrive Ministry will be hosting some retreats this year, but others have had to be cancelled. Check their web site regularly to stay up-to-date.

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Book Recommendations

(Useful titles to have on your m’care bookshelf)

Transition is a huge part of cross-cultural living. Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change is not about missionary transitions, per se, but the concepts are invaluable in any context. This one deserves a spot on your missionary care shelf.

 

Take care of yourself. Then you will be able to care for others.