missions Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

What It’s Like to be Raised by Missionaries

A girl plays with a soccer ball on the beach at sunset

Growing up on the mission field presents kids with experiences and challenges that give them a unique perspective on the world.

Jun 13 2019

For most kids, getting grape jam instead of strawberry jam on their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches isn’t a big deal. It might even just be a matter of personal preference. But when Marti Williams got grape jam as a kid, she knew it meant something else entirely. Marti grew up as a missionary kid in South Africa. And at a young age, she knew when her parents had extra financial support — because she and her siblings would get treated to strawberry jam. During leaner months, they got by just fine with grape. But looking back, Marti sees the…

Jocelyn and her parents have found ways to maintain their relationship, even after her parents moved to Zimbabwe for missions as a second career. Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Potter

May 10 2019

If Jocelyn Potter and her boyfriend didn’t get engaged and married in the next four months, they would have to wait years to try again. That is, if they wanted Jocelyn’s parents to be there and not just watching the video in the Zimbabwean bush. Jocelyn’s mom and stepdad, Cheryl and Dave Jereb, were TEAM missionaries on home assignment. They had about four months to visit friends and family and then return to Zimbabwe. So, Jocelyn and her boyfriend got engaged and planned the wedding in three months. “We scheduled the wedding for a Friday, and their plane ticket ……

A woman in her golden years runs errands

For missionaries serving in their golden years, mission work presents some unique challenges. Join us this month in praying for missionaries over the age of 50 working all around the world.

May 01 2019

“Why can’t you stay with us?” The question came from TEAM missionary Georgia Landis’ 6-year-old granddaughter, sitting in the backseat of the car. Georgia was on her way to the airport to return to the mission field. Her daughter drove, with her two kids in the backseat. After a lovely visit in the States, the heart-wrenching moment that no one was ever ready for had rolled around: It was time to say goodbye. Again. The coming separation had Georgia and her daughter in tears. So when her granddaughter innocently asked her to stay, it was nearly impossible to say…

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 - missions

What It’s Like to be Raised by Missionaries

When Missionaries Leave Adult Children Behind

Experience, Wisdom and Language Learning [May Prayer Focus]

What Can Mount Kilimanjaro Teach You About God?