Did you know that there are some common sentiments that are often quoted to missions workers that are unfounded myths?

Can you guess what the number one “risk myth” is?

I looked around the table at the orientees and asked, “If you could use one word to describe maturity, what word would you use?”

It was a bit of a trick question. I thought I knew how they would answer. They responded with words like wise, discerning, experienced, responsible. When we got to the last person on my left, she said, “Well, I am picturing a person. Someone who has discipled me. And I just think of kindness.”

Bingo. We were getting somewhere.

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.

I can’t say I was necessarily looking forward to this. I was set up to share with a church’s missions council and I was nervous and out of practice. But I had asked Jesus for an opportunity to encourage this team even as I shared about what we are doing in ministry as those who provide “care” for global workers, and I was leaning into trusting that he would do that.