Around halfway through the semester, we hold a discussion with our students on the biblical perspective of suffering based on a sermon by Francis Chan.  Personally, that discussion has had new meaning for us depending on what life circumstances are happening during that season.  But no matter the season, we come to the same realization: suffering is allowed and ordained by God for the sake of the character of His children.

I’ve moved my life overseas a few times now, and the more I do it, the easier it gets. I’ve observed many other people move overseas as well and often times I’ve thought, “Oh wow, I wish someone would’ve told you not to bring all of that medicine with you! You could have filled that space with almond butter instead and bought the pharmaceuticals here—and for so much cheaper!”

Living overseas in a culture that is not your own is both exhilarating and exhausting, sometimes all at the same time. There are highs and lows, pros and cons, victories and defeats.  Have you ever lived in a different culture? Read about the joys and hardships of cross-cultural living from the perspective of one our overseas workers. 

Whether you are an avid reader with a lengthy booklist or someone who considers seeing the movie the same as reading the book, we all can agree these books are worth your time.  If you are considering missions, working in ministry or just want to grow in your faith, these books will guide you into a deeper understanding of God’s heart.   

There is an old saying “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.  Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.”  We have many of these pithy statements that pass down easily memorized wisdom.  I would like to introduce to you a new saying of warning: “There’s Always a Ship to Tarshish.”

Raising Support can appear as a very daunting task for anyone, but the way we approach support raising is somewhat different. 

We just made a big decision – one of those decisions that requires a leap of faith and much trust. It was one that we were excited about and longed for deep in our hearts.

No matter your career, the majority of us probably didn’t end up in our jobs because we saw a massive billboard that laid it out for us and then our great Aunt’s dog spell it out with his kibbles. The truth is, the Lord calls us to listen and follow His direction, which is most often filled with many steps of faith. 

Everyone brings different strengths and weaknesses to the table, leaving plenty of room for disagreements and conflict. Being a missionary in another country, where your team is the only ‘family’ you have, and where the majority of people living there have never been told the story of Jesus, can be even more difficult.