Every year, it seems, some of our missionaries transition from life and ministry overseas to life back in the United States. This is not an easy adjustment. Missionaries experience culture shock all over again, must leave behind friends, look for new employment, etc. just some of the factors that make the transition difficult. In one way, readjustment is a process that just takes time. In other ways, however such as finding new employment it would be very helpful to have a forum for sharing and encouragement. A returning missionary might, for example, let others know what type of work he or she is able and wanting to do.
Missionaries have unique sets of experiences and skills. In our own Prayer League fellowship, we must have a great number of people who understand the abilities and skills that a returning missionary can bring to the work force. We must also have praying partners who are aware of opportunities for employment that match the skills and abilities of returning missionaries. This month I am inviting readers to sign up for an email list that will be used for connecting missionaries who are transitioning to the U.S. with praying partners who may be aware of opportunities that could be helpful to that missionary.
The way it will work is this: When one of our missionaries returns to life in the U.S., I will ask them to let me know what sort of work they will be looking for and give them an opportunity to make their desires and qualifications known to the email list recipients. I will then send an email to the entire list with this information as well as information concerning how to contact the missionary. If you receive these emails and know of an opportunity that might fit the need, you will be able to contact the missionary directly and let them know of the potential opportunity. I imagine that the number one goal will be to help missionaries locate employment upon their return from overseas assignment. But there may be other practical needs that would be appropriate for the list as well.
I believe that having a large number of people willing to receive such an email would prove to be helpful and wonderfully encouraging to our missionaries returning from overseas assignment. If you are willing to be a part of this email list please send me an email at jdahl@wmpl.org. Put returning missionary email list in the subject line and I will add your name to the list.
Thank you for all of your support! And thank you for considering helping in this way.