Missionary Life Archives - Page 2 of 11 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Don’t Say the ‘M’ Word: Sharing Ministry from High-Security Nations

For missionaries in high-security nations, communication is a constant concern. One careless email can endanger an entire ministry.

Apr 29 2021

My heart rate skyrocketed in seconds, and my blood pressure probably followed suit soon after. “You got to be kidding me! Why?” I couldn’t believe it had happened once again. “I have said multiple times not to use the ‘M’ word.” Not spelling out “missionary” is basic security 101 for anyone working in a high-security country — a nation where surveillance is high and the Gospel is either not welcomed or is discouraged. My immediate reaction was anger, but it was a cover emotion for fear. Would this be the time that someone was actually reading my communication? What would…

My expectations came crashing down when our sacred space was violated and took on an unexpected tone of trauma, grief and shame.

Mar 09 2021

I sat on the frigid, white-tiled bathroom floor, cradled in my husband’s arms as I wept and bled. We had arrived early at this remote hilltop resort to set up a few things up for our annual conference. Moments before we were expected to go out and greet everyone, I lost the baby we were expecting. I walked out of the bathroom into the cold, heatless room and stared at the white sheets on the hotel bed. I wanted to be anywhere but at the hotel, surrounded by people. Having just finished our year and a half language program, we…

No matter how far they go, missionaries are always part of their local church — and their local church should always be part of their lives.

Dec 16 2020

There are a few different ways to approach this question. We often think of the missionary’s role in the global Church, but the missionary also plays a critical role in their local church. We can also turn this question around and ask what the church’s role is in the life of a missionary. What is the missionary’s role in the global Church? Like all believers, missionaries are part of a much bigger story than what they see in their local context. For one, missionaries prevent the Church from getting stagnant. One missionary described it as cross-pollination. When missionaries interact with…

Moving abroad can reveal a side of yourself you didn’t know. The Enneagram can help you process what’s happening and submit it more fully to Christ.

Oct 26 2020

I don’t even recognize myself anymore, Christine thought to herself. Have I changed this much? Christine knew that she was going through an intensely stressful season of life — starting a new business with her new husband, while navigating a new culture and new language in a new country. She’d been preparing for the external upheaval. But what she didn’t expect was the upheaval she saw in herself. Some of her actions and thoughts surprised and disturbed her: Anger at her circumstances, and her excessive attempts to control them. Difficulty in expressing her feelings and needs. Frustration at her limited…

Missions is no ordinary job — and that’s true even when it comes to the paycheck. So, how do missionaries get paid during their service?

Oct 09 2020

When we picture missionaries, we often think of simple lives, free of material pursuits, focused entirely on God. But even the most frugal, godly missionary has to pay for airfare, language classes and every other normal expense of daily living. So, where does a missionary’s money come from? There are two main ways missionaries get paid: a salary or self-funding. Missions agencies generally choose one for all of their missionaries to use. And while there are pros and cons to both models, the goal is the same: to bring God’s salvation message to the ends of the earth. Missionaries Who…

Can You Manage Student Loans on Missionary Support?

Sep 23 2020

Let’s start with the good news: The world is full of missionaries who are happily serving in ministry while paying off their student debt. They aren’t all stellar financial planners, and they aren’t living in poverty to make it happen. In other words, you can be one of them. The tips I’m about to give you are simple and practical. I’m not going to tell you what to do, because every situation is different, and I am not a financial advisor. But I will share what’s worked for missionaries before you and share resources created for nonprofit workers. I’ll also…

Tomato soup isn’t just for cold fall days anymore! Cool off this summer with a cool and refreshing bowl of salmorejo, from Spain.

Aug 28 2020

After a short-term mission trip to Spain, Lauren Witteveen decided she had to come back and continue the work. And with a tiny evangelical population in Spain, TEAM missionaries like Lauren have their work cut out for them! Lauren spends much of her time building relationships and studying Spanish, and the linguistic and cultural disconnects can be exhausting. So, on those long, hot Spanish days, Lauren likes to cool off with a nice bowl of salmorejo. This tomato soup dish has been a favorite since Lauren’s first visit to Spain. But even more than their food, Lauren loves the Spanish…

A group of women laugh and talk together.

Maintaining friendships can be a challenge — especially when there are oceans of separation. Keep reading to see some helpful ways to maintain the relationships.

Jul 28 2020

Long distance friendships are hard. In the last year, whether we live far away or not, we’ve all had to find new and creative ways to maintain relationships while being physically distant from each other. For those of us who live a plane ride away from close friends and family, this is nothing new. Here are some of the ideas and truths I’ve learned over years of maintaining friendships while living abroad. Choose What Apps Work for You What a blessing it is to live in an age with such great technology available to us! While Facebook and Instagram are…

Enchiladas verdes are delightfully simple — and delicious. You'll love this missionary favorite from Mexico.

Jun 26 2020

A church planter’s work is never done — but enchiladas verdes are the perfect end to a long day of ministry. Today we’re trying out this traditional Mexican favorite, with a recipe sent in by that TEAM missionaries Vicki and Art Reyes! Art was born and raised in Mexico until he was 10 years old. His family moved to the U.S. so Art and his siblings could live out the American dream. But as an adult, Art, along with his wife Vicki, felt God’s leading to serve Him in Mexico. Now, the couple serves a Mexican congregation and encourages other Hispanic…

Let's be honest, sometimes all a missionary wants to do is hide in their house or apartment. Here's how one missionary overcame the temptation.

Jun 09 2020

Today’s blog post comes from a missionary working in Asia. For her safety, we have kept her name and location private. “Bloom where you’re planted.” As a worker in Asia for over 25 years, I have always had a love/hate relationship with this phrase! I’m not super outgoing, so it’s difficult for me to reach out to others. Plus, building relationships takes a lot of time and energy. With our transient lifestyle, it’s easier for me to not bother. But I’m a missionary. Isn’t this the exact thing God has called me to do? God wants each of us, missionary…

Category - Missionary Life

Don’t Say the ‘M’ Word: Sharing Ministry from High-Security Nations

Experiencing Miscarriage as an Expat Missionary

What is the Role of a Missionary in the Church?

The Enneagram for Missionaries: Tips for Overseas Life

Ask TEAM: How Do Missionaries Get Paid?

How to Be a Missionary with Student Debt

TEAM Eats: Salmorejo

Maintaining Friendships While Living Abroad

TEAM Eats: Enchiladas Verdes

Reaching Out — When You Just Want to Stay Inside