August 2016 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

When You Don’t Want to Get on the Plane

Anna Key never thought she would be a teacher in Germany. But God called her to serve missionary kids, and she is committed to obey – no matter the cost. Photo by TEAM

Aug 30 2016

Six years ago in Albany, New York, I weighed my three suitcases for what seemed the millionth time, anxiously watched the scale hit almost exactly 50 pounds for each one, shed tears as I hugged my family goodbye and sat at my gate, waiting to begin my journey to teach in Germany. I was no stranger to goodbyes, moving, transition or travel, and yet, that day, you may never have seen a more reluctant or terrified traveler. Although I knew God had called me to serve missionary kids, teaching had never been part of my plan. What was I thinking?…

Interested in pursuing missions? God has ordained the church to walk with you and send you. Photo by TEAM

Aug 25 2016

Whether you perceived it through a gentle whisper or a monumental experience, when God grips your heart for overseas missions, you know. This is a wonderful, yet also uncertain realization, as it leaves you thinking, “Now what?” What do you do with this interest? First, know that even though this may be a time of uncertainty, you can be encouraged that you are not alone in this endeavor. Second, don’t wait to start the conversation with your church. Too many times, people don’t have these conversations with their churches. Or they wait until they are at the point in the…

No one is ever fully ready for missions, but with some critical thought, you can leave for the field armed with wisdom and a healthy perspective. Photo by TEAM

Aug 23 2016

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you.” Luke 14:28-29, NIV Jesus said a lot of radical things during his time on earth, but in Luke 14, he settled in for a moment of plain common sense: People who jump into things before they’re ready frequently live to regret it. In the missions world, we like to celebrate passion, risk-taking…

Discerning if you're called to missions can seem mysterious, but it doesn't have to be. Six workers share how they knew God was calling them to serve.

Aug 18 2016

How can you know you’re called to missions? Especially when the very concept of “calling” can seem vague, mysterious and even painstaking to figure out? Sure, it’s nuanced. But confidently knowing your missionary calling is not impossible, either. Read six workers’ unique testimonies of how God called them to serve. Open Doors “Our calling to missions started by Susan and I both saying that we would never be missionaries, and that kind of got God’s ear,” says Scott Downing, a worker in Chad. Scott and Susan both grew up as missionary kids in Africa but never considered a life…

Life for homeless youth in Guatemala is characterized by cyclical poverty, addiction, and little hope for the future. But when a pastor started building relationships with these kids on the streets, he found out that they didn't need more preaching. They needed the gospel. Photo by TEAM

Aug 15 2016

“What do you really think of us, drug-addicts and homeless people?” Angel asked me. I paused. He, like many of the “jovenes de la calle“ (street kids), has been living in the streets since he was a kid. Now, at 22, he’s seen it all, lived it all. He’s used drugs as a regular escape. He’s found ways to survive with barely any income. He’s been pushed out of churches and restaurants because he’s asking people for money, because he’s high or just because he doesn’t look presentable. He’s seen ministries come and go, do their good deed, pass out…

Deb went to the field as a single woman and came home as a mother. Each season taught her something powerful about what it really means to be a missionary.

Aug 11 2016

They arrived on our doorstep in East Asia, travel weary, hungry and tired. Of course, we had no warning that they were coming, and as I got their beds ready in our tiny home, I wondered how long our houseguests would stay. They had journeyed two days down the mountain to get here, and I knew a short stay was probably not what they had in mind. As I scrambled to get a hearty meal ready for our guests, I tried to prepare myself emotionally to live in their story for the next while. About a year earlier,…

A care package is a tangible way for the church to remind a missionary that they are cherished and supported.

Aug 09 2016

Missionaries pack their bags eager to forsake familiar comforts for the sake of the gospel. Even so, when weariness sets in, a well-timed care package can be the encouragement your missionary needs. Read through these tips and tricks to curate a care package for a missionary you know. Before You Send Your Care Package International shipping is nuanced. So, before you spend time and money, ask your missionary to answer these questions: What is your shipping address? Find out from your missionary exactly how to fill out the shipping label. Be sure to note if the address should be in English…

ways for missionaries to connect with supporters

Maintaining relationships across many miles is no easy feat. But with a little creativity, missionaries can continue to connect with the supporters who sent them. Photo by TEAM

Aug 03 2016

No missionary is sent out on their own; behind each one is a selfless group of churches and individuals who have mentored, prayed and given so the missionary could cross cultural barriers to share the gospel. Because of the busy nature of ministry life, it can be hard for missionaries to connect with supporters while they serve on the field. Fortunately, with some creativity and a bit of technology, there are many ways you can stay connected with your supporters, even when you are thousands of miles away. Here are some favorites. 1. Display the Names and Faces of Your…

Archive - August 2016

When You Don’t Want to Get on the Plane

How to Involve Your Church in Your Missions Journey

How Do I Know if I’m Ready for Missions? [Free Download]

How Do You Know You’re Called to Missions?

What Do You Really Think of Us?

What Life on the Mission Field is Really Like

9 Things Your Missionary Wants in a Care Package

7 Creative Ways for Missionaries to Connect with Supporters