June 2016 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

9 Intriguing Birthday Traditions From Around the World

From whacking a piñata to scarfing a slice of fairy bread, check out these intriguing ways birthdays are celebrated around the world. Photo by TEAM

Jun 28 2016

North Americans have long-standing traditions when it comes to birthdays: People gather, eat good food and cake and receive presents. Paper streamers and balloons and maybe even a banner that says, “Happy Birthday!” make the place look festive. Year after year, these traditions remain. Around the world, though, this scene might look a little different. Here are nine intriguing ways birthdays are celebrated around the world. Ireland You might want to watch out if you are in Ireland on your birthday. Irish tradition states that the birthday boy is to be lifted by his arms and legs and “bumped” into the…

When her daughter developed serious health issues, Deb traded her exciting life among nomads in East Asia for doctors' offices in suburbia. But through her deferred dream, Deb learned critical lessons about her true calling in life. Photos courtesy of Deb Wyss

Jun 23 2016

One of my clearest memories from my seven years in East Asia is lying inside a nomad tent, under a blue tarp, while rain gently drummed my entire body. I was alone — alone in the sense that there was no one like me for miles and miles around. Baby yaks stirred within arms reach on one side, and a family of nomads with wild hair snored on the other. How did a girl from the suburbs of Minnesota get here? I thought. It was a feeling of elation, as I had long yearned to live among this unreached people group. But it was also…

Nestled amidst Japanese maples and quiet creeks, the Karuizawa Retreat Center has been an enduring refuge for missionaries all over Asia. Photos courtesy of KRC

Jun 21 2016

When you arrive at the Karuizawa Retreat Center, it’s hard to believe you were in the largest city in the world just an hour ago. Trading the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a gorgeous and quiet resort town feels odd at first, but as you take a deep breath of mountain pine and stare at the beautiful mountains, it’s easy to feel at home, even if it’s your first time visiting. Karuizawa is a small resort town known around Asia as a top destination for rest and refreshment. While it’s now known for hosting vacation homes of influential people…

Being a missionary isn't always an adventure. Sometimes it's just ordinary. TEAM worker Tori Jansson shares her candid thoughts on what it's like to be a missionary in the normal but beautiful everyday. Photo courtesy of Tori Jansson

Jun 13 2016

As a worker in Tokyo, I’m often asked, “What is a day in the life of a missionary?” Well, which day are we talking about, exactly? How about my first day training at SonRise Cafe? Or, our first month grocery shopping – trying to read Japanese labels to distinguish between sugar and salt, laundry detergent and bleach? What about Christmas time with a different outreach every week, sharing the Gospel at every turn? Or, the first time I was able to ask a train station worker for help in Japanese? That week we got to share our testimonies with 200 freshman high…

Growing up in Southeast Asia gave missionary kid Emily Sheddan a long-lasting love for all things noodles and rice. She shares her recipe for delicious Savory Thai Peanut Noodles to share with your family, too.

Jun 09 2016

If it’s anything noodles or rice, count me in. From the age of six, I’ve been told I can amazingly put away the food like a large Asian man. I love all of it and all of the strong flavors that come along with it like sesame, curries, ginger and garlic. Memories flood my mind of hawker stall delicacies from growing up in Southeast Asia. It wouldn’t matter if these were some of the dirtiest places to grab a plate of food either. What mattered and made people always come back was all the delicious choices from fried rice (nasi goreng)…

Building a global missions strategy is not about a bigger budget. It's about greater intention. Read five ways to your church can create a successful missions strategy. Photo by TEAM

Jun 08 2016

Your church probably doesn’t have a global missions strategy. And sadly, you aren’t alone. The truth is that most churches don’t have a strategy for their global involvement. As a result, many simply aren’t engaged overseas. Those who are are more likely to answer a question about their strategy by telling you how big their “missions budget” is. Whether your church gives $500 or $1 million per year to missions, the real question isn’t how much you’re giving, but how you’re giving it. There are lots of ways to build a great global missions strategy. For now, I’d like to…

Archive - June 2016

9 Intriguing Birthday Traditions From Around the World

When God Calls You Off the Mission Field

A Blessing for Missionaries Becomes a Ministry

A Day in the Life of a Missionary

TEAM Eats: Recipe for Savory Thai Peanut Noodles

How to Develop a Church Missions Strategy That Works