Caring for God’s Missionaries 35 Caring for God’s Missionaries

Welcome to the Field! – a story List the “surprises” that wore down the new missionary family What could have been done to ease the transition?

The Role of Shepherding Stephen was a gifted servant (Acts 6: 3-6) The author trained eight men to do a “Stephening” ministry with missionaries in their country They had career jobs They had successfully made a life in a foreign country They knew what it meant to stay focused on the task

Core values of a support person Servant leader dedicated to taking a load off the missionary An entrepreneurial spirit able to find creative solutions to problems Proactive in anticipating solutions to problems that might arrise Striving for excellence in their support service Modeling life in witness and living standards An ethos of group-learning

Example tasks Assistance with housing and travel Applications of various kinds – especially government visa applications Platform management Guesthouse management Assistance with government and legal issues Research on school options Medical options Internet options

The life of a helper Many more helps could be listed All are offered but not compelled Each “Stephen” works within his specialties Their agency has 10% of missionaries are these “Stephens”

The front-line for Stephens Tell the story of the gospel in the native language as any missionary would Many can combine their expertise with evangelism and discipleship

God-centered Care Care-giving must come from openness and honesty about the care-givers own life and struggles in ministry Care is given in the midst of relationships that flow both ways All missionaries pass through “valley” times and need appropriate support and care Care is given in the context of Spiritual Warfare

What God-centered care looks like It is bible-centered – it is rooted in biblical insights on dealing with life problems It is intentional – care focused on obedient living It is replicable – it rises from a mature disciples daily behavior

When crisis comes The team is the first line of recourse when a crisis strikes Structured debriefing Trained counselors In the regular times, encourage, exhort, and equip In crises, rescue, mediate, and contain

Responsible care for missionaries We have a responsibility to our missionaries, at least, in part, because they are extensions of our churches on mission We need to use all the resources at our disposal to bless, encourage and facilitate the health of our missionaries on the field The long term prospects for continuing service by the missionary improve greatly when they receive ongoing care.