When I’m Not Where I Want to Be – Life in Exile

When I’m Not Where I Want to Be – Life in Exile

My husband stopped counting. Not me. This was the seventh time we’d rebooked our flights. I felt angry and a bit depressed. Would we never get to return home? Living in exile isn’t easy. Whether physical or other, I often find myself not quite where 

Will Trauma on the Mission Field Lead to Further Loss?

Will Trauma on the Mission Field Lead to Further Loss?

Missionary adventures can turn into tragedy. Our journey usually starts with tremendous excitement. We are ready to take on great challenges for God’s Kingdom’s sake. Then, as the months and years go by, we often encounter circumstances far different from what we expected. Coup d’etats, 

Can God Provide for Missionary Kids with Special Needs?

Can God Provide for Missionary Kids with Special Needs?

The education of children on the mission field is a major concern. This is especially true when they have special needs. God loves missionary kids and knows how to provide for them. Their destiny matters to God as much as it does to us, their 

How to Set Objectives and Make an Effective Sabbatical Plan

How to Set Objectives and Make an Effective Sabbatical Plan

Burnout signs – they are relatively easy to spot. Low energy. Reduced passion for ministry. Not getting things done that normally are quite easy to do. One way of addressing these issues is to consider taking a sabbatical. To make it a success, you need 

John Chau’s Death: Bold Courage or Youthful Passion Gone Wrong?

John Chau’s Death: Bold Courage or Youthful Passion Gone Wrong?

John Chau’s recent death in the Indian Ocean prompted many tweets, posts and news articles this past week. Murdered by Sentinelese tribesmen, John was a fairly young missionary. He went to a remote and unreached tribe with a passion to share the gospel with them. 

Have a Team Member With a Super “Unique” Personality?

Have a Team Member With a Super “Unique” Personality?

Ego-centric, direct, domineering, controlling, independent, critical…that list sounded down-right nasty to me. I didn’t want to be a “D” personality! I promptly decided I disliked personality tests. No one was going to put a label on me as to what personality type I had. Decision 

When You Need To Just Run Through The Pain

When You Need To Just Run Through The Pain

“One more kilometer to go, oh God, please help me do this.” My stomach was cramping from a recent bout with food poisoning. I was weaker than normal, but my heart was set on completing the race. My husband, running alongside me said, “Run through 

Is Pressure a Positive or Negative Thing in Missionary Life?

Is Pressure a Positive or Negative Thing in Missionary Life?

“People are feeling pressure.” I hear this from missionaries and leaders sometimes. Or I get an email from someone saying they feel pressurized – especially at the end of the year when reports are due. Others express genuine feelings of being overwhelmed by their work. 

How Do I Trust God in the Midst of My Visa Uncertainty?

How Do I Trust God in the Midst of My Visa Uncertainty?

After more than twenty years, he was finally granted a visa. He would return to the place of his original missionary calling. Visa uncertainty threatened to steal his peace, however, even in the midst of this exciting moment. His passport finally had the visa 

Don’t Suppress Emotions- It Will Make You Depressed!

Don’t Suppress Emotions- It Will Make You Depressed!

“Suck it up!” My basketball coach used to tell me that when I was acting tired during our practice drills. “No pain, no gain!” In many ways, we are taught to ignore pain and push through it. I’m not saying there isn’t a place for