Missionary Care "Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability; it comes from the tireless efforts of [people] willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is "Missionary Care"?

Workers on the international mission field can be easily discouraged. Discouragement can come from a variety of factors; living in a new and confusing culture, trying to learn a new language and not being able to do anything without those language skills, feeling overwhelmed at the great task in front of them, feeling alone (especially for singles), and after a certain period of time, feeling forgotten by friends at home. We can only pray for the former concerns, but we can take an active role in the latter, as a church, to boost the morale of our missionaries! The value of taking an active role in the lives of our missionaries is immeasurable!

The Great Commandment and the Great Commission are inseparable! The second cannot be done without the first. Obedience to the Great Commandment is the motivation, message, and methodology in fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission, commanding us to go to all the nations. However, before He commanded He demonstrated his love to His disciples through washing their feet, the last evening before his crucifixion. As the body of Christ, we are called to strengthen, support, nurture and care for our other members. (Rom.12, 1 Cor. 12, Eph.4) Out of this demonstration, proclamation comes naturally and makes sense to a watching world. 1 Corinthians says the greatest of these is "love".

Why is missionary care such a challenge?

Task Over People - The Western world is materialistic and task oriented. People tend to be ignored. What matters is that the job gets done. Those doing "the task" need to be prioritized!

Great Need & Limited Resources - The physical and spiritual needs of the world are so great and the resources so limited that we can feel compelled to pour all of our money and person-power into accomplishing the task, neglecting the worker. We must not focus on immediate ministry needs in such a way that we neglect the worker!

How can my home group get involved?

Your home group can "adopt" a missionary single or family to support for the next year! At the end of that year, you can choose to either extend your "adoption" or request that another home group take over. Here are some ways your home group can show love to these servants:

Pray, Pray, Pray! Pray as individuals for the workers, but also pray as a group at your weekly gatherings. Pray for their ministry, cultural adjustments, language acquisition, marriage & family relationships, relationship with and dependence on the Lord, their families at home, and other specific needs they will inform you of.

Send e-mails and notes to encourage them. Remind them that they are valued, prayed for, and not forgotten. Stay in touch with them! Make your group's presence known to them.

Send care packages on holidays and birthdays (for each family member). The Village International Missions Department will cover the cost of shipping these care packages up to $200 for singles/ $350 for families (per year). Your group is responsible for costs beyond this amount.

Consider serving on a Village Expedition (short term mission trip) or visiting your missionary to serve alongside them.

Who are our missionaries and where are they serving?

We currently have two families, one couple, and one single serving in East Asia. Due to

• security and safety concern of our missionaries, The Village will not include their names here. This part of the world is often hostile toward the Gospel and is generally not welcoming to those who follow Jesus.
• Additional missionaries serving with other organizations
  • Couple in East Asia
  • Rachael Cahill – single in Mexico
  • Miriam Wilks – single in Mexico

Email Jenny Hipp or call her at (940) 323-8785 if your small group would like to adopt a missionary!

You will be given an informational sheet on your missionary with contact info, specific needs, and suggestions on items for care packages. If you will be adopting a missionary in a secure location, Jenny will train your home group on those security concerns and give you tips on how to best contact, encourage and support them.