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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Tree Farm Fail
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 lovely, and whatever is admirable, I see how incredible it is that Jesus became a baby so he could become our Savior–the same Savior our Goer kids are sharing with people who don’t know him. I can praise God for Christmas and use it as a time to learn to think more like HIm.
New Podcast Episode! Advice for Parents and Grandparents
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 of Goers Ministries and author of the new book Missionary Mama’s Survival Guide.
In Case of Emergency
With family so far away, Goers can feel helpless when hard things happen at home. And they can feel isolated as they navigate big changes abroad. Both parents and Goers will sacrifice as a result of this missional life. Abigail Follows gives a seasoned perspective on the cost and beauty of the Missionary’s task.
Creative Connection at Christmas . . . or Anytime!
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!)
Focused Questions for Fruitful Convos
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.
Follow the Cairns
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.”
You Can’t Cross the Ocean on an iPad
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.
I Never Signed Up for This
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.
The Sacrifice of Surrender
Our nation has endured great trauma lately. Is God truly good and in control of everything?
Ask the Experts Series #5: From the Mouths of Missionary Babes
Making the decision to familiarize yourself with your child’s new vocation includes learning all the new terms. Enjoy Learning the Lingo—Part 2.
Ask The Experts Series #4: From the Mouths of Missionary Babes
Are you confused by all the unfamiliar words in your Goer’s vocabulary? Here’s a short course in their new lingo.
Ask the Experts Series #3: What do Goers Actually Do? Member Care Coordinator
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 the happy feelings.
Ask the Experts Series #2: What Do Goers Actually Do? A Week in the Life
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.
Ask the Experts Series #1: What Do Goers Actually Do?
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 informed parent
God is Watching!
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.
Creative Holiday Goer Gifts That Don’t Require a Stamp
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
We’ve Started a Podcast!
We’ve started a podcast. Check out our first two episodes: “Why the Parent of Goers Podcast” and “Kids on Mission.”
Life Saver
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.
The Climb
Letting go of children to overseas work is hard, but rewarding. While the journey goes through multiple stages, the end is worth it.
The Short on Support
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 raise support and how that is valuable for them and for the Kingdom of God.
Cheer Them On
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 sending organizations, but soon they will become accustomed to their new culture.
The Most Essential Worker
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.
Welcome Home
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 the One whom your kids proclaim.
Why the Parents of Goers Blog?
“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 those in this niche.”
Honoring Parents Through the Sending Process
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 to do with their lives.
Parents of Goers 