In the missionary world, we sometimes talk about "member care." It's quaint way of talking about the fact that missionaries (people who spend their lives reaching out to and caring for others) need to be cared for too. They need support, encouragement and pastoral care if they are to be able to persevere through often challenging circumstances and serve long term on the mission field. In fact, missionary societies are recognising this to be so important, that most missions organisations have a number of missionaries who are specifically called to "member care" - helping to develop and care for other missionaries.
My own involvement in missions has not been primarily in the area of pastoral care; most of my involvement over the years has been in mobilising young people for missions and training leaders to reach and disciple children and teens. However, some of what we do in and from the leadership development centre could be described as "member care" because it is an important part of equipping and encouraging missionary leaders, so that they are able to serve more effectively in the ministry and nation they are called to.
Today, for example, I have a number of coaching appointments with missionaries around the continent. One is a lady in transition: after more than thirty years in the same nation, she is contemplating a move to another part of the world. Another of my coachees is a younger missionary who is still in the process of discerning the areas of calling and service that she will commit the rest of her life to. And so "people care" will form part of my schedule on this Spanish summer day.
You could be forgiven, however, for thinking that "animal care" was part of my job description. This morning at 8.30, I was already at my friends' home, where I'm looking after their cat (Luci) while they're on home assignment for a few months. And now I'm at the home of other friends, and will be doing my coaching from here, as they've asked me to look after their dog (Brandy) while they're out and about all day.
People care.... animal care.... I have to admit that both are very rewarding for me :-)
Today, for example, I have a number of coaching appointments with missionaries around the continent. One is a lady in transition: after more than thirty years in the same nation, she is contemplating a move to another part of the world. Another of my coachees is a younger missionary who is still in the process of discerning the areas of calling and service that she will commit the rest of her life to. And so "people care" will form part of my schedule on this Spanish summer day.
You could be forgiven, however, for thinking that "animal care" was part of my job description. This morning at 8.30, I was already at my friends' home, where I'm looking after their cat (Luci) while they're on home assignment for a few months. And now I'm at the home of other friends, and will be doing my coaching from here, as they've asked me to look after their dog (Brandy) while they're out and about all day.
People care.... animal care.... I have to admit that both are very rewarding for me :-)
