A Lost Art

Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person,
they are almost indistinguishable.
David W Augsberger

When was the last time someone listened to you? Really listened to you? They didn’t have an agenda; they didn’t interrupt, rattle off their opinions and advice, or tell you about their great uncle’s second cousin who also experienced what you’re going through - only worse.

Listening is a lost art. I know it from my own experience: it is rare to find a friend who will just sit with you as you speak. Or in silence, listen together. But I can tell you that when that rare occasion happens, that rare friend comes round, it is like water for my thirsty soul and I leave feeling understood and loved, even if they never said a thing! The presence of an attentive listener is a treasure.

In missionary care, listening makes up about 80% of what we do. For the weary worker who is always giving, for the cross-cultural expat who seldom gets to speak in their heart language, for those going through grief and hardships far away from their friends and family, we come alongside and listen.

I am a natural-born listener; it’s part of my personality and how I am with people, but I have also had extensive training that has helped me become a better listener.

One of the important aspects of member care that relies very heavily on listening is that of debriefing. During the past month I have done three debriefings for workers on furlough. What does it do for them? It helps them process the season that has been before: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the unresolved, and helps them make meaning of those experiences. They are then able to return to the field in a healthier place, and that is what we’re all about.

People are God’s most treasured treasures, and his sent ones, his missionaries, are his most precious resource. We are here to help them flourish in the field. Thank you for your prayers and partnership so that more global workers get the care that they need.