When Trouble Becomes Traumatic

“In my village, you have to be careful at night. Because witches and wizards are out doing bad things.”

One of the challenges our workers face is the physical reality of spiritual warfare. In the West we face conflict with polarized political opinion. In the majority world there are warlocks.

Not all member care situations are the same.

Sometimes we are helping people process the hurts and disappointments of ministry in secular contexts. Other days, it’s marriage care as relationships buckle under the strain and stress of cross-cultural living. And some days it is encouraging a man who has realistic concerns about the welfare of his fifteen year old daughter as his family moves back into a difficult environment.

Regardless of the places our workers go, and recognizing the variety of challenges they inevitably face, member care has one overarching goal: to help our workers stay connected to Jesus. In this age we will face many troubles - Christians are not meant to be trouble-avoidant. And those who follow the Lord of the Harvest into far-flung fields will discover all manner of trouble. It isn’t trouble that ends the work of a missionary. It is untouched trauma that so often achieves that undesired outcome.

Trouble becomes traumatic when left untreated.

We want to close the gap between hurt and healing. Because our workers are beloved. Because the nations have not all heard. And ultimately because Jesus is worthy of it all.

Through your partnerships we have been able to:

• provide direct care to workers facing grief and loss

• develop more team members

• implement new systems for better care

• facilitate trainings

• provide debriefings to workers in transitions

• send new workers who are better prepared to navigate the road ahead

So from us and each of the global workers we serve, thank you.

Until all have heard, including the witches and wizards.