August 2017 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Does God Care Where I Go?

Many prospective missionaries feel God is leading them to move overseas, but don’t know where. Does that even matter? Consider the following perspective. Photo by TEAM

Aug 28 2017

Many of us prefer to deal with situations in black-and-white terms and steer clear of the gray areas in the Bible. We like rules, even if we fail to stick to them. But there are areas where Scripture is less clear about what to do, like, “What college should I go to?” or “Who should I marry?” For missionaries, the question is often, “Does God care where I go overseas?” Many prospective missionaries feel God is leading them to move their lives across the world, but don’t know where. They may have some thoughts of where they would like to go,…

From their 20-plus years of missionary work in Africa to their continued service in the States, David and Marjory Patrick have been trailblazers for promoting diversity in missions. | Photo courtesy of David Patrick

Aug 22 2017

As she listened to African-American missionaries from her home church tell their stories in front of the congregation, 14-year-old Marjory heard a voice — small at first, but distinct. She was completely enthralled with these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for the sake of the Gospel. Could she ever be like them? Then, she heard the voice again. Louder this time, and clearer: “You are looking at your future.” Several years later, a visiting pastor offered David Patrick a pamphlet called “Hearing the Call of God.” David flipped through it as the author, David…

TEAM missionary Roberta Peabody shares the struggles and the payoffs of working with new Christians in a Japanese returnee ministry. Photo by TEAM

Aug 15 2017

When Kira* accepted Christ, she thought she had everything she needed. Kira and her friend, Azumi*, found Jesus while living in America for their husbands’ jobs. They both joined a large church that was full of energy and strong ministries. But after five years overseas, Kira returned to Japan, and quiet loneliness engulfed her like a fog. No one understood her new beliefs, including her own husband. He wanted her to stay home on Sundays because those were his days off from work. When she found a Christian mom’s group, he discouraged her from going because of the money she…

Following God into new situations and cultures will very likely catapult you into a VUCA environment. What does that mean for a missionary's journey? Photo by TEAM

Aug 10 2017

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s the proverb we quote when it comes to making something good out of a bad situation — something sweet out of something sour. But what about intentionally picking lemons so you can make lemonade? Global corporations do that! The international market environment is described as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA). In other words, it hands out lemons and demands leaders who can make lemonade. And it turns out that the best way to develop those demanded abilities is to work in a situation that demands those abilities. Some large corporations are…

To extend the impact of your short-term mission trip, having a debriefing plan in place to help you process your experience is crucial. Photo by TEAM

Aug 08 2017

Short-term mission trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can be highly impactful for both the participants and those they serve. However, coming home after such an intense foreign experience is often a difficult process to navigate. You’re likely to experience reverse culture shock, and accepting the realities of being back home may take longer than you anticipate. That’s why having a plan to debrief your short-term mission trip is so important. If you’ve recently returned from a short-term mission trip, here are five practical tips for a healthy and productive debriefing process: 1. Share your experience with others. People…

7 Ways to Pray for Ministries that Train Church Leaders [August Prayer Focus]

Missionaries around the world are training church leaders to carry on the Gospel to the next generation. Read more to find out how you can be praying for these ministries. Photo by TEAM

Aug 01 2017

Change is only lasting if it outlives us. That’s why so many TEAM missionaries invest in ministries that train church leaders and national missionaries. By teaching at Bible colleges, sending students on internships and coaching them on how to disciple others, missionaries around the world ensure that local believers have the skills to make more disciples. And in that way, this vital work ensures that Christ’s kingdom will continue to grow on this earth until His return. This August, will you pray with us for ministries around the world that train leaders and national missionaries? Click here to get a printable…

Archive - August 2017

Does God Care Where I Go?

Building a Kingdom of Diversity

Is It Possible to be Japanese and Christian?

The Business Secret Every Missionary Knows

5 Ways to Debrief After Your Short-Term Mission Trip

7 Ways to Pray for Ministries that Train Church Leaders [August Prayer Focus]