This year we are beginning a new program we call Missionary Care in Alternative Missions. The purpose is to equip, train, provide counsel and generally help our staff deal with life as a missionary. The plan for this year is to have Missionary Care “Retreats” in Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica. I leave with a team of health care professionals/teachers this Saturday for a week in Cofradia, Mexico to be with the staff from Tepic and Cofradia. In addition to training the health care workers traveling with me will make themselves available to staff for personal “appointments”.
Please be praying for us.
I will be adding pictures to this blog entry so please come back and check us out and continue to pray for us. Feel free to comment while your here.
Topics we plan to address:
- Boundaries
- Communication Skills
- Grief and Loss
- Depression or Suicidality (how to identify and create a “safe” plan for those you find in this situation)
- Self Insight for the Missionary - how does your personal insight impact your mission?
- Couples Session: Getting Deeper with one another in marriage and ministry
- Singles in ministry
- Cross-Cultural Issues in Missionary Work
- Choosing good team members using the Alternative Missions staff and intern processes
- Traits of a healthy team member / Signs of personality issues or dysfunction
- Teaming
April 12th - Arrived in Mazatlan / Dinner Out
We had dinner together in the Historic District of Mazatlan at the Plaza Machado. Seated next to me is Tami Anderson/Engelhorn counselor/teacher/trainer; across from me TJ who is an Alternative Missions staff member and assistant with me in the member care department of A.M.; and Danny Machado counselor/teacher/trainer. We took the evening to get acquainted and plan for our upcoming week in Cofradia.
April 15th Update:
The teaching and group sessions are going well. Here are some photos…
Group time led by Tami Anderson.
April 16th Update:
Danny Machado teaching and leading group sessions.
An added blessing is that I get to be with my 11 month old grandson Dylan.
April 19th Update: Comments from evaluation forms…
“This was such a valuable experience for me. The topics covered are vital for life and ministry both within the team and outside it. I encourage everyone to do whatever necessary to take full advantage of this team and allow the Lord to minister to each one through the Missionary Care Team folks.”
“Anyone who’s been on the mission field has probably seen that most missionaries don’t make their own mental health a priority. I am extremely grateful to Tami, Danny, TJ, Tom and the Alternative Missions Board for providing this great week for us.”
“Great to be cared for!”
“This retreat made me feel closer to my team. It helped me see who I am a little better. I feel our team is a closer family. This gave me the rare opportunity to talk to a professional counselor.”
“Although I didn’t know what to expect before the week started I really benefited from taking time out to be heard, identify my own needs and needs of our team.
Tom.
Great idea!
Jamera
Tom, That is wonderful. It’s a much needed and yet neglected area. I know a couple from a Montrose church that does that. God bless all your efforts. Jan
So needed with all the demands and expectations of those serving
God on the mission field. We appreciate all your efforts and will remain in prayer.
Ron and Lynn
Oh my gosh! Dylan is too much precious! I want a grandchild!
Seriously, the pics look great - I only wish we could hear the audio. I am sure all the AM crew face daily some of the same struggles. I am really lookinng forward to it and am expecting God to reveal some key issues in my life personally and even more, in the life of our Team Helene. I want us to all be very honest and go to the next level in trust. My team is such a major part of my life right now and there is always room for improvement in communication. Especially with family. The plus is that we will all benefit in moving forward in the work of the God who called us.
Thanks for the blog. Blessings, Sheila
We are so righteously jealous. Wish we were already on board so we could experience the “growing” pains with you. We are praying this will be a great time of personal spiritual awakening as well as an exceptional good time of bonding as team members. Grace and Peace be to you all.
Thanks for doing this, Tom and Missionary Care Team! Your concern for us and insightful information has been a real blessing and very much appreciated!!!
Nice Report here Tom. Love the pics of everyone. Dylan really is a cute little guy, you are a good grandpa too, it was really cool to see the two of you interacting. I liked the time we spent in Cofradia, it would have been even better if Linnea would have been there, get well Linnea! Isabel is a fantastic cook too!
Seriously though, i learned a lot from this time. I wont lie, it was hard digging deep into my heart and making myself vulnerable, at times, it was exhausting, but I learned things about myself that i otherwise may not have.
Thank you Tammi and Danny.
Tom, it is wonderful to hear what is going on in AM, and to see the pictures along with the report. Missionary Care is so needed! Dylan is precious and a blessing from the Lord! Linnea is in my prayers.
Love in Jesus,
Mary
tom,
thanks for the update…there is nothing like grandbabies!!!
We continue to pray for Linneas recovery
missionary care is so vital ministering thier specific needs and challanges is critical.
I hope to see you soon
john tackett
It´s cool to hear from others about the MCT time. Thank God for all the people that are a part of this with us.