"For those on Mission to Reach the Globe"

Welcome to the monthly feature, Cross-cultural Perspectives from the Director. In 500 words or less, I will discuss relevant topics relating to the missions environment. The purpose of these articles is to influence, inform, and encourage missionaries and others toward individual development and consideration of pertinent cross-cultural issues. I trust that you find a host of beneficial missions topics on this page.

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Cross-Cultural Perspectives -
Missionary Vulnerability Scale

It’s Too Soon to Sing, “I’ll Fly Away!”

The Receptivity Rating Scale analyzes when people are more open to the gospel due to external changes in their lives. Its basis is God uses joy or sorrow to compel people to reevaluate their lives and make them receptive. Graduation, marriage, birth of a child, separation, divorce, death of a loved one, jail term, a move across country, or a long list of other things may serve to make them aware of their need for God. When two or more of these situations happen at once, receptivity (not to mention stress) escalates.

What does this have to do with missions? I think there is a parallel. Stress and external changes cause us to be more receptive—and vulnerable—to good, and not so good, prospects. These uncomfortable circumstances may cause one to question God’s will, be more open to leaving missions, and succumb to the grass-is-obviously-greener-on-the-other-side-of-the-fence syndrome. At times, missionaries step out of missions, only to regret it shortly thereafter.

Points on the Missionary Vulnerability Scale might include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Bouts of sickness.
2. Birth of a baby.
3. Difficulty in educating missionary children.
4. Personality clashes and misunderstandings with others.
5. Failure to feel connected with the work.
6. Culture shock.
7. Moving to a new field.
8. Nationalizing the work.
9. Grown children leaving the nest.
10. Aged parents in nursing homes or requiring health care.
11. Death of a loved one.
12. Discouragement.
13. Birth of a grandchild.
14. Long deputation.
15. Spouse or children not happy with missionary work.

When sensitive to these caution signs in others, the Lord can use us to affirm, encourage, pray for, and listen. Yes, we are our brother’s keepers!
           
We need to be careful during seasons of troubles and trials. One wise old pastor used to say, “This too will pass!” Be anchored to your call! Do not allow stress and vulnerability to cause you to sidestep the great things God has prepared for you and your field.
           
It may give a little comfort to know that others have passed through such trying times, are still pressing on, and that you can too! And remember, I’m here with a listening ear if you ever need to talk about what you are going through. It’s too early to sing, “I’ll Fly Away!” Try “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” and the General Director.  

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Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Missionary Vulnerability Scale
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Characteristics of Weak Leaders
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Beyond
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Deaf By Choice
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Determining Global Values
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Stages of Transition
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Seasons
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - God Never Sleeps
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Like Home For the Holidays
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Wait
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - They Continued
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Leadership Development
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Blog World After All
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Holding On & Letting Go
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Cross-Cultural Relationships
Ten Qualities of Pastoral Board Members
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Landmarks to Fuller Potential Part Two
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Landmarks to Fuller Potential
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - I Had A Dream
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Roses Through The Thorns
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Watch Your Attitude
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Death Wouldn't Matter
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Missions Unchangeables
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Language Acquisition Made Simple
Extra Set of Hands
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Interpreters
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Comparatively Speaking
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Extra Set of Hands
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Tools to Accomplish
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Developing Leaders
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Trendsetter or Rutrider
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Regional Missions
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Riding A Horse Called "Trend"
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Living Between Worlds
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - What Went Wrong with Missions
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Fire Still Falls
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Color Me Green
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Missionary Vulnerability
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Church Evolution
Cross-Cultural Perspectives - Big Words
Are You Centripetal, Centrifugal, or both?
Cross Missionary Perspectives Part 2
Cross Missionary Perspectives Part 1
Striving For Progress
Learning The Internet Culture: Part 2
Learning The Internet Culture: Part 1
Global Council
Internet Evangelism
Dealing With Overload
Devoted For Life
Need For Missionaries
Goals