support Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Caring for a Global Community

Steve Maybee and his Member Care team support global workers through all the ups and downs of missional life.

Jul 03 2023

This month we finish up our series on TEAM’s Defining Values by focusing on “Caring Community.” TEAM’s Member Care department exists to foster caring community within TEAM by providing emotional and spiritual support to global workers and staff. Caroline Peterson sat down with Director of Member Care, Steve Maybee to discuss the purpose and heart behind Member Care. Called to Care and Support Steve Maybee got into Member Care after getting his master’s in clinical psychology. He and his wife served overseas in Eastern Europe, and it was there that he saw the needs of expatriates (people living outside…

Now more than ever, a good sending organization is key to a successful cross-cultural missionary journey.

Oct 25 2022

It’s no secret that a lot has changed in the last few years. Everyone is navigating the new waters of a post-pandemic world, and global missions is no exception. A few years ago, we shared some important reasons to partner with a missions agency, all of which are still valid considerations. Now, maybe more than ever, there are new, additional factors to consider. Here are three things to think about: Believe it or not, retirement is in your future! Wait, I won’t be a missionary forever? Believe it or not, most missionaries return to their host country at the…

Money and face mask to illustrate raising missionary support during COVID-19

Raising missionary support is intimidating enough under normal circumstances. What do you need to know about doing during COVID-19? Photo by Bermix Studio.

Jul 08 2020

Support raising is one of the most daunting parts of becoming a missionary — especially during an economic downturn. But according to TEAM stewardship coach Jennifer Nickels, it doesn’t have to be. With the right perspective, she says, raising missionary support can actually be a blessing. We sat down with Nickels to find out how to view support raising as a ministry and do it successfully in the midst of a global crisis. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Raising support is often one of the most intimidating parts of becoming a missionary. Why do you think…

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…

Your support of foreign missionaries is vital to the growth of the kingdom. But how? Discover 7 ways that you can intentionally support missionaries. Photo by TEAM

Jul 03 2017

Imagine you are a new missionary. Living in a foreign land and adopting a new culture for the sake of the kingdom is a dream — one that you’ve worked toward for years. However, before too long, feelings of culture shock and isolation begin to set in. Language barriers and foreign social etiquette make you ache for renewed connections with friends and family back home. You may even wonder if you made the right decision in coming. This scenario is fairly common for those serving abroad and can easily lead to burnout. That’s why it’s up to us as supporters…

Your supporting church is spiritually and financially investing in your short-term missions trip. Here's tips on how you can support them, too. Photo by TEAM

Jan 26 2016

As a logistics coordinator for short-term missions, I am constantly encouraged by the faith of the missionaries I work with. Recently, a short-term missionary I am working with came to me with one of the most beautiful questions I’ve been asked during my time with TEAM: “How can I bless my supporting church through my mission trip?” My heart soared. Here at TEAM, one of our highest values is the church from beginning to end. We engage existing churches in cooperative efforts to establish new reproducing churches worldwide. It is encouraging to know our short-term missionaries are just as passionate about strengthening the church as we are….

Tag - support

Caring for a Global Community

Why You Need a Missions Agency in a Changing World

How to Raise Missionary Support During COVID-19

Why Churches Should Visit Their Missionaries

7 Ways to Support Missionaries

How to Support Your Supporting Church