Posts
Are you the Parent of a Goer? Check out our blog full of resources for anyone who is sending loved ones abroad.
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As we near Thanksgiving, I am giving thanks for all of our kids who have chosen to go abroad to share God’s love with others. This thankfulness bubbles up from my utter gratefulness to God–I am amazed at His provision for us as believers; He allows us to do His work in His power even…
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The children of Goers are ofter referred to as TCKs. They don’t completely fit in their stateside culture, nor do they fit in their home (overseas) culture. They exist in a third reality that is made up of both cultures combined. That is why we refer to these kids as Third Culture Kids. Ann Bowman…
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Hey missionary mama, some of you may be wondering, “What does it feel like to be the mother of a missionary on Mother’s Day?” And I think the best way I can describe it is bittersweet. Bitter because my missionary is in a different place, a different time zone, a different culture than I inhabit,…
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Ann Bowman knows about departures. With two daughters serving globally, Ann is an expert at saying goodbye. This excerpt is from her new book, “I Never Signed Up For This”, and describes the ache of surrendering those most precious to you. Listen to her extended story on the most recent Parents of Goers Podcast
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Are you bemoaning the fact that your Goer is far away this Christmas? When I focus on my sometimes-disappointing circumstances, my life feels lacking. But when I choose the same attitudes Paul encouraged in the Philippians (4:8), when I think on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is…
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I have grandparenting on my mind. As a grandma with five precious grands and three more on the way, I understand how crushing it is to have some of those beautiful children too far away to touch. When you are a grandma (or grandpa) to missionary kids, your heart constantly reminds you of the loss…
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Being a long-distance grandparent is really hard. This excellent article written by a former goer offers great perspective to our kids abroad, and helpful advice and encouragement to those of us missing our precious grands. May it encourage your soul.
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Many of you have expressed interest in resources for fathers. Here’s an article from a self-proclaimed “Fix-It Father” who has learned to yield his protective fatherly instincts to God’s sovereignty. Mark wisely reminds us that we are just caretakers of these children. They really belong to God.
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What do you think of when St. Patrick’s Day arrives each year? Missions? Probably not. But you should. Patrick was a Goer, just like our kids, and God blessed his ministry mightily. Read today’s blog and learn about the true Christian hero behind this holiday. CHECK THIS OUT TOO! Speaking of Goers, Connie has sent…
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Parents must resist the urge to hinder their children in the work of missions under the guise of parental protection. This is a very difficult act of surrender and a peculiar sorrow which has been endured by parents through the ages. Read this fascinating letter from the late Jim Elliot to his parents.
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Sometimes you just want to give your Goer a gift for a special occasion. But when your child lives overseas, actual “sending” is often unpredictable or unreliable. Here are some ideas for last minute gifts you can still “send” your Goer for Christmas.
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The whole visa process is confusing to me and other parents, I assume. At least it was confusing to Connie, who sent me this question via the Parents of Goers website. As I get these questions, I will share them with you all since we are all in this boat (airplane?) together. I will respond…
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The word “Furlough” makes most parents of Goers giddy. But this anticipated home visit, although wonderful, may be more difficult than expected. Read the blog today as I answer a few questions from a reader about furlough.
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Are you a parent or grandparent grappling with the idea of your child or grandchild pursuing a missionary calling? Do you find yourself filled with questions and concerns about how to support them effectively? In this episode of The Missions Podcast, our host Scott Dunford engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Haverkamp, founder of Parents…
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Join me and the Upstream Collective Crew for a free webinar about my new book!
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“When I consider the idea of one day releasing one or more of my four daughters into the hostilities of global missions, I’m reminded it’s an offering worthy of my God—the God who first sent his Son, Jesus Christ. The pain I’ll bear in watching my child’s form disappear into the airport, then seeing her…
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Parents of goers often misunderstand support raising. In this episode, we discuss the practical and theological reasons for this necessary task. We also look at how Mission Mobilization Agencies, like Reliant, come alongside our kids and help them to thrive overseas. Listen to Why Does My Goer Raise Support? Also see our blog post The Short
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The holidays can be especially hard if you are a long-distance grandparent. Since you can’t spend Christmas morning with your faraway grands, try some of these ideas to bridge the miles during traditional family gathering times (or anytime!)
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Sometimes those longed-for conversations seem awkward or slow because we don’t ask our Goers the right questions. Rather than asking open-ended broad questions, try some of these specific ones to get the words to flow and to bless both the Goer and the Stayer.
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Cairns are way markers that help hikers find their path. On the Goer parent journey, everyone benefits when they discover the cairns along the way. Read an excerpt from my forthcoming book, “Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide.”
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The parents of the Goers aren’t the only ones sacrificing when their child is called to missions. The Goers themselves (and their children) sacrifice much of the typical extended family experience. Read as Beth relates the joys and hardships of the technology that connects her to family back home.
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When my oldest daughter left for a third world country with a six-month-old baby on her hip, I began a journey of sorrow that I didn’t choose. I thought I supported missions — until it was my own child leaving for full-time overseas work.
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Our nation has endured great trauma lately. Is God truly good and in control of everything?
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Making the decision to familiarize yourself with your child’s new vocation includes learning all the new terms. Enjoy Learning the Lingo—Part 2.
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Are you confused by all the unfamiliar words in your Goer’s vocabulary? Here’s a short course in their new lingo.
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Have you ever wondered if anyone is watching out for your child? Wonder no more! The role of the Member Care Coordinator was created so every member of your child’s team feels seen and heard. Your Goer is part of a new “family” that truly cares for its members. Read Jessica’s helpful post and cue…
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Here is the second installment in the Ask the Experts Series. Get a very educational sneak peek into the daily routine of one of our resident goers.
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Sometimes it’s hard to understand what it means to be a Goer. Over the next few posts, we have asked some of our Goers to contribute and educate us about what they do. We hope that our “Ask the Experts” series will fill in some of the gaps and help you to be a more…
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As parents, we often spend so much time taking care of others that we forget we need someone to care for us. God is a watchful, caring Father who longs for us to experience His loving presence. Use these tips to remind yourself that he is near.
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Are you wondering how to make your Goers feel loved this Christmas when you can’t send a gift in the mail? Here is a list of creative ideas that don’t require a stamp
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We’ve started a podcast. Check out our first two episodes: “Why the Parent of Goers Podcast” and “Kids on Mission.”
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Our Goers are spiritual parents in a sense. Like actual parents, they’ve had to learn new rhythms and routines to help them in this holy endeavor of growing the family of God. They are teaching and showing, pointing and calling their “children” to spiritual independence.
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As a parent of a Goer, you probably have mixed emotions about your son or daughter moving far away.. Concern for their safety. Wondering whether going overseas will change your relationship with them. Perhaps, like me, you are confused and somewhat embarrassed by their need to raise support. This blog will dive into why they…
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Releasing our kids to go abroad on mission feels a little like that—we fear for their safety and want to protect, yet we know we must foster their independence….And guess what? They can do it by themselves. The transition may be rocky as they learn to use the “training wheels” of team members and their…
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As missionaries spent the past year being out of the context of their work and identity, they had to rely on the most essential worker, Jesus Christ. How can we find our hope and identity in him instead of in what we do.
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When our kids are under our roof, we feel we can control their safety. When they fly across the ocean, we forfeit that security. We may not like untying the knot, but if we keep our kids tied to us, they will never develop the spiritual “muscles” required for their role.
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Like our kids, Jesus was the Ultimate Goer; he left his home on mission to make his Father known. And God is the Ultimate Missionary Parent; he sent Jesus to live, die, and be resurrected in our place. As we approach Easter where we celebrate this resurrection, may you be drawn into a relationship with…
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Separation from our overseas kids can create a roller coaster of emotions. How do we handle the challenges of being excited for what they are doing, but dealing with the strong emotions we feel about them being away from us? Hear from Tori H. on the journey God has taken her in walking through the…
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“Anxiety…Grief…Fear…Isolation. These are all words I once used to describe the unique sorrow I experienced by having a child overseas…I want to share the things God has taught me with those who are just beginning this difficult and confusing journey. Because parents of Sent-Ones have a unique path, most churches fail to minister well to…
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One of the main reasons many young people do not go overseas long-term is because of their parents. Parents, most often out of love, have a desire to keep their children safe and to guard them from the unknowns. Parents can and should be involved in the process of helping their young adult decide what…
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For missionary parents, COVID-19 has provided some unique joys of having their children and sometimes grandchildren around. But it also has presented some unique challenges. Check out this blog for navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and furlough.
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Sending kids overseas is hard enough for a Christ follower. For parents that do not follow Jesus, the idea of their child being a missionary might seem like a waste of their life, or maybe too radical. In this article we’ll talk the why of global missions to help you as a parent know their…
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in the midst of suffering, our instinctual reaction as parents is to rescue our kids from suffering. What if hardship might be the best thing for them? What if God’s Kingdom purposes in the world and in their lives is actually advanced through struggle. How do we deal with this as parents and help our…
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All of our kids–missionaries or not–need to be reminded that we love them. It is important we tell them that we value who they are and what they are doing; assumed devotion isn’t enough.
Parents of Goers 