missionary life Archives - Page 3 of 3 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How We Endure Trials on the Mission Field

Life as a missionary means facing trials that only other missionaries can fully understand. TEAM missionary Irene shares how she found peace and joy during hardship.

Feb 07 2020

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV) My husband, Jeff, and I had prepared to be missionaries since we were teenagers. It was then that we felt God’s call on our lives so completely to serve Him overseas. We went to Bible school to prepare, read books on missions and cross-cultural service, spent time with missionaries, took classes, went on short-term trips,…

Life as a missionary is a constant learning experience, but there are some things that would be good to know before you head to the field. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Oct 18 2019

Missionary life can be both a wild adventure and, at times, a struggle. But there is one thing for sure — being a missionary is a learning experience. Whether you’re getting ready to head to the field, or you have years of missionary experience, there is always more to learn. I talked with some of our missionaries about things they wish someone had told them before they went to the mission field. Find the right fit Just like with anything else, no missionary work will be all fun all the time. There is no such thing as a perfect fit….

Jeff Ingram sits and plays a game with a child

Over 30 years of planting churches, Jeff Ingram has learned three character traits every church planter needs. Today, he shares his keys to success!

Oct 07 2019

So you’re thinking of planting a church? Perhaps you’re wondering whether you’ve got the right stuff. When my wife and I started planting churches in Europe in 1992, we didn’t know what all we were getting into. But along the way, we’ve learned some key character traits every church planter needs. Today, I’d like to describe just a few. Diligence When we left for Europe in 1992, my dad had just started his own business — an auto-painting and body shop. I heard firsthand how much time, effort and money it cost him. I can assure you, he had to…

Missionary work requires sacrifice. But what happens when that sacrifice comes at the expense of your family? Keep reading to see how one missionary found his answer in the book of Mark.

Sep 12 2019

Today’s blog post comes from a TEAM missionary working in the Middle East. For his safety, we have kept his name and location private. When we arrived on the mission field, we expected to see an attitude of intentional self-sacrifice. I want that attitude in missionaries I support personally, and churches want that in us. Jesus apparently wanted that, too, or He wouldn’t ask Christians to carry their cross. But we all know that it’s really the missionaries who are supposed to do that a little bit more than everyone else. It’s a role prescribed for missions workers. And we…

Brett Miller's climb up Mount Kilimanjaro was just supposed to be a fun adventure. Instead, he came away with enduring lessons about his faith. Photo courtesy of Brett Miller.

Jan 08 2019

As a missionary to Swaziland, my job feels like a vacation, so I don’t often take one. But this year, friends and family gave a generous gift with strict instructions that the money was to be used on something I wanted to do — but not on anything ministry related. Some friends and I decided that, despite my being 54, we should climb to the highest peak in Africa. When we arrived at the base of Kilimanjaro, the guides told us there are four rules to follow to summit the mountain. He told us we must: Have a good attitude….

Tag - missionary life

How We Endure Trials on the Mission Field

What You Need to Know Before Becoming a Missionary

3 Character Traits Every Church Planter Needs

When Does Sacrifice Become Neglect?

What Can Mount Kilimanjaro Teach You About God?