SQJ Taipei

Back in June I posted the following: 15 Things Every Missionary Needs

I took that list from the WorldVenture website… specifically from a page titled “PROVIDE MISSIONARY CARE“.

Here’s another list I appreciated from that same page. It has to do with Missionary Kids… and I appreciate it because we have 4 of them living with us all the time!

I wish I would have thought to blog this back when we started our Home Service… but better late than never. You’ve all been great to us and our kids! Thanks! Perhaps this will help you when you encounter MKs in the future.

MKs are kids whose dads and moms serve as cross cultural missionaries. They are normal kids who are neither growing up strictly in their parents’ culture nor are they growing up exclusively in the culture of the country where they live. As a result, their lives are being shaped by both their parents’ culture and their host culture; this forms a different, third culture. That’s why MKs are often called TCKs (Third Culture Kids). Are they normal? Certainly! MKs grow up in extraordinary environments that impact their lives - and we trust that they, too, will impact others for Christ.

1. Build a relationship.
   MKs are kids with a lot of adults in their lives. It’s unrealistic to expect them to know you when your involvement in their lives is limited to once every five years. Be consistent in communicating with them and their families. Visit them overseas when you have a chance, exchange pictures, send the Sunday comics, be involved.
2. Be informed.
   Communicating with someone who makes an effort to know basic facts about your life and your country is much more enjoyable than talking with someone who merely makes assumptions. The more informed you are, the better your questions and comments will be. Learn more about TCKs and their world; they have a unique set of experiences, skills and worldview. See Interaction International and TCK World.
3. Meet felt needs.
   Getting to know MKs will help you know how best to help them in ways that are meaningful to them. International calling cards, a home away from home, a gift card, or a subscription to a magazine especially for TCKs such as “Among Worlds” all make great gifts for MKs.
4. Help them transition.
   MK life is filled with transition. You can help make the transitions easier. Remember that coming to the States is probably not coming home for them. They are “constant immigrants” with the ability to make unique contributions. As immigrants, they often find the “normal” overwhelming and the “extraordinary” usual. Introduce them to peers and mentors, serve as a liaison between the MK and their new school. Give the MK room to observe and make decisions before jumping in to an activity or a group.
5. Pray.
   Pray for their health; their part in their parents’ ministries; their adjustments to new places, schools and ideas; their spiritual and emotional growth.