1. Caring for God’s Missionaries35
Caring for God’s Missionaries

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.