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 though we often take the credit. Let’s rejoice together that God is allowing us, and our kids, to “make cookies” with him. May this post help you understand and rejoice in the role God has given us in His Kingdom.
Category Archives: Parents
The TCK Surprise
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 has third culture grandkids and has seen the ways that their experiences abroad and on furlough have shaped them to be unique in so many ways. Read this new post (and listen to the podcast!) as Ann talks about ways that we all can minister to these very special kiddos.
What Does it Feel Like to Be the Mother of a Missionary on Mother’s Day?
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, and this all makes me feel out of touch with him. But sweet, because the baby that God allowed me to steward, that baby that grew and flew and became an amazing adult, is now serving that same God as a missionary in a faraway land. Could I ask for a better Mother’s Day gift? I think not.
But sometimes this peculiar bittersweet feeling weights heavy on my mama’s heart…can you relate?
Departures Are Messy
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
A Letter to My Missionary Grandsons
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 of physical closeness. But reading Oma’s story will remind you that your love for them can remain constant even a world away.
What Missionary Grandparents Give Up–and Gain
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.
Confessions of a “Fix-It Father”
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.
St. Patrick: Remembering and Reclaiming a Great Missionary
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 two daughters on Mission! Listen to her story on the most recent podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1871214/14636435
Mothers, Fathers, and Missions: A Lesson From Jim Elliot
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.
Goer Gifts for Christmas
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.
Predictably Unpredictable Visas
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 with my personal experiences, but I would love for you all to chime in with yours in the comments so we can all learn from one another. Hang in there Missionary Mamas and Dads!
Furlough: friend or foe?
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.
The Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide Free Webinar
Join me and the Upstream Collective Crew for a free webinar about my new book!
Become a Sending Parent
“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 endure the daily death of a missionary, will only serve to make me more like the sending God who lives in me.”
New Podcast Episode! Why Does My Goer Raise Support?
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 ShortContinue reading “New Podcast Episode! Why Does My Goer Raise Support?”
Untying the Knot
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.
Emotional Ataxia
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 God-given emotions associated with part of her family heading overseas.
COVID, Furlough and Lessons in Grace
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.
Map Quest
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 intentions and how to be a loving support to them as you wrestle with their choice.
No Rescue Required
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 kids choose the right path for their eternal joy?
6 Ways to Love Your Overseas Kids This Valentines Day
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 