July 2018 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

5 Ways to Prepare for Long-Term Missions Service

If God's calling you to long-term missions, you've probably wondered, "What do I do now?" Find out how you can begin preparing today!

Jul 26 2018

Feeling the conviction to serve in long-term missions is an exciting time in any Christian’s life. It may come during a short-term mission trip or an engaging sermon at church. It may shock you or feel like exactly what you’ve been waiting for. But however you felt led to long-term missions, you’re probably wondering, “What do I do now?” My calling to serve God in missions came at the age of 14, in the form of an unmistakable inner conversation with God that I couldn’t ignore. That started me on the path of preparation. Since then, I’ve not only served…

Refreshing and nutritious? You can't go wrong with fresh lassi. Get a taste of India and discover TEAM's take on the mango lassi recipe! Photo by TEAM

Jul 20 2018

The colder, the better! At least, that’s how I like my mango lassi drink. Originally from India and parts of Pakistan, the lassi is a common dessert drink where I grew up in Southeast Asia. After a hot and spicy meal, it’s not only refreshing, but it also has many nutritional benefits. Good mangos are harder to come by now that I live in East Tennessee. But thankfully, this recipe can be made with mango pulp out of a can from your local Asian market. Some say it’s even better than the mango chunks because your lassi will have a better…

Care packages and emails are a great encouragement to long-term missionaries. But what if the best way to support your missionary is giving them yourself? Photo courtesy of Beth Barthelemy

Jul 17 2018

Last fall, my family had our first visitors since arriving on South African soil a year and some months ago. After months of anticipation, our pastor and friends from our Chicago church arrived to spend a week with us. They didn’t come as a short-term team, with a particular ministry focus. We had no projects lined up for them. They didn’t come to “check up” on us, to make sure we were worth their investment. They didn’t have a list of questions with which to assess our effectiveness or success. They came with a simple purpose: to be an encouragement…

She needed community. It was the doctor's orders, but for Machiko, all it took was a going a walk around the block to find what she so desperately needed. Read her story! Photo by TEAM

Jul 12 2018

You need to join a club or social circle so you’ll have interaction with others on a regular basis, Machiko’s doctor said. You risk getting dementia if you don’t. When Machiko* went for her annual check-up, she already knew she struggled with depression. She knew she was socially withdrawn and battled an anxiety disorder called hikikomori. But she never thought her lack of a social life could cause her to lose her mind. She needed company — she needed friends. She needed help. It was overwhelming. When she got home, she decided to take a walk down the street to…

If leaving your religion meant leaving your culture and family, would you do it? Read about the obstacles missionaries face when reaching Buddhists and see how you can pray! Photo by TEAM

Jul 03 2018

How do you lead someone down Christ’s narrow path when they believe almost every path leads to salvation? That’s a question missionaries in Buddhist-majority countries face every day. And not only do Buddhists struggle to understand their need for a Savior, but they also face external pressure to remain in the faith of their family. In Buddhist cultures, to turn your back on the religion of your parents is to betray them on the deepest level. Your community will cut you off, taking away your friends, limiting your job opportunities and even kicking you out of your home. Overcoming these…

Archive - July 2018

5 Ways to Prepare for Long-Term Missions Service

TEAM Eats: Recipe for Mango Lassi

Why Churches Should Visit Their Missionaries

A Shelf Full of Gods — and No Hope

Would You Betray Your Parents for Jesus? [July Prayer Focus]