Description
Why another book on Missionary Care? Anything unique about it? We think so. This book reflects the scope of work that Dick and I have done throughout our 57 years of ministry with Wycliffe and SIL- and serving many other mission organizations. We were involved in screening and selection of workers, training, field work (translation and literacy), administration and leadership. Additionally we earned four graduate degrees in psychology and counselling. I believe this convergence of the roles of leadership, administrator, academic and reflective practitioner has given us unique insights into life as a cross-cultural worker, care-giver and trainer. In Part I of this book we discuss a rationale for member care, a vision for care, as well as policies and procedures for recruitment, orientation, placement and supervising personnel on site or remotely. We discuss the roles of the agency, the field authorities and the sending church. We also discuss the make-up of member care, attitudes and tools needed to care well for cross-cultural workers, a job description, how to begin, and how to function collegially with administrators and leaders as well as sending churches. In Part II we address nine specific challenges that will face leaders and care-givers. The emphasis is on how to prevent these challenges from becoming threats. Each chapter is summarized with a chart showing various responsibilities and giving suggestions for those in several roles. Another unique aspect of this book is its Asian flavor. Originally prepared in Indonesian, it reflects input from many Asian friends. We are not aware of another missions-related book that brings together in a single volume the administrative side (ethos of care) with the development and delivery of care. We pray it will bring glory to God because of its usefulness and experience-based concepts.