5 ways to care for a missionary/church planter on home assignment
Assist missionaries in practical ways as they prepare for their home assignment. For example help organise a car and accommodation during their time in Australia. Many missionaries receive a salary that doesn’t allow for paying double rent, therefore try to find accommodation for them that is not going to be a burden on them but that will also provide the refreshment that they need. Some other ways to help, is to organise someone to pick them up from the airport, fill the cupboard and fridge, help them organise a SIM card, help them with clothes (especially if they are coming from another season), shout them a much needed holiday. Perhaps provide the opportunity for the husband and wife to go on a date.
Reassure and encourage. Many workers come home discouraged that they didn’t reach all the objectives and goals that they wanted to during their term. Understand missionaries have left their work and church behind, and are quite apprehensive about returning to a home culture that they haven’t experienced for a number of years. Many might be nervous about all the changes and the loss of social structure that they have worked hard to cultivate in their host country.
Help missionaries with doctor check ups and/or other help that they can’t get in their host country.
Provide missionaries with pastoral care. Many have gone through a number of hard years filled with stress, disappointments, suffering, and loss. They might just need someone to sit down with them and listen to their needs and concerns.
Help missionaries both to reconnect with existing churches and supporters but also provide the opportunity for them to form new partners.
