Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Tips for your Missionary's Reentry.

TIPS FOR YOUR MISSIONARY'S REENTRY
 
1. SHOW AN INTEREST.

What your missionary has left their home country to go and do matters extremely to them (they would not leave if it didn't) and not asking about stories from their trip, not wanting to see their pictures and hear every little detail, etc. is hurtful, can be relationally damaging, and can make coming back even harder. Show you care (even if you don't - and if that's the case, ask Jesus why and for a heart that does care). Everyone existing on the planet wants to know other people care about what they do and who they love. Do everything you can to show that you do.

2. MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS

Perhaps your missionary is back earlier than planned due to political reasons/safety, sickness, or whatever. Regardless of the reason for reentry, chances are they will not have a home to go to, they won't have a job (may not want to get a job), and all their resources (and some of yours) were spent on another continent. Work with them. Love them with a grace that only comes from Jesus. They need you to make those kinds of provisions. It makes their life so much easier if these things are already in place before they even board their flight home. Airport pickup is another thing. Family members and friends should make every effort to be there.

3. DEAL WITH EMOTIONS

Your missionary will most likely be a mess for a while upon reentry. Maybe there are now people they love that they have left behind who are now on the other side of the planet. Visual sensory issues of their surroundings will most likely be the first they deal with. Most likely they feel like they've landed on another planet. It's great to love them where they are without becoming argumentative when it comes to their views. You need to realize they have changed in their time away. Here's why: they've seen things they cannot unsee (i.e. kids with legs blown up and put back together, sickness and disease, poverty unlike they've ever seen, demonic activity).

They will either come back feeling guilty, grateful, pissed or all of the above. They may feel guilty because they have so much, grateful for what they do have and for the chance to go, or pissed because it is the way it is and seems like you don't care or it wouldn't be that way in their mind.

If they have been around extreme poverty, ways that people spend their money could be another cause for strong feelings. Grocery shopping may not be the same mundane thing for them. You may now be rich in their sight. That $20 you just spent on makeup, cigarettes, or New Years Eve party face masks could have fed that starving family they were trying to find help to feed.

Attitudes about the American church may be another. Perhaps they've been in an area where Christians are under extreme persecution for their faith and now church seems dull with all the flashy stage lights. Perhaps they miss the passion they witnessed where they were.

These things happen (fortunately and unfortunately) to be a part of the new package. Emotions can be raw and they are real. Encourage them in healthy ways to cope with all the stresses of returning. And give them time but not too much space as these emotions can turn into severe depression and/or suicide. Research the warning signs as missionaries while they know the truth are not immune to these thoughts as Satan and his demons attack everyone. Be in their stuff whatever they are feeling.

4. PRAY

Hopefully you joined the team in praying for them leading up to their departure and while they were away. They need for you to pray for them in their return. It's a big deal to them that you are on your knees for them. Lift them up and place them in the best place they can be - in Jesus' hands.