The other parts of my review of Marge Jones’s The Psychology of Missionary Adjustment, can be reached by the following links:
- Part One: Book Review: Psychology of Missionary Adjustment
- Part Two: The Missionary Pedestal
- Part Three: Out of the Womb
- Part Four: Language and Bonding Grinds
- Part Five: Missionaries and Bursted Bubbles
- Part Six: Missionary Guilt Is Real
- Part Seven: Conflict Happens. Real Help for Real Missionaries.
This will be the last blog post about the wonderful book by Marge Jones. Psychology of Missionary Adjustment The Reality: “Before you take one step more down the road of missions, you need to read this first-of-its-kind book. Missions is not easy. It may be the most difficult challenge a person can live—a challenge that has glorious success stories—and stories where men and women are left clinging to the shreds of their salvation.”
Retired From Missions
Some have said it is harder to get a missionary to retire than to start. When they do retire, “the problems of reentry into North American culture are probably just as numerous now as they were thirty years ago.”
Welcome change or painful ordeal
“Viewing retirement as a welcome change or as a painful ordeal is certainly not exclusive to missionaries.” Some are looking forward to a luxurious and quiet time and others feel more at home in the host country than they do in the United States. It is the same as for any transition in life. The success depends on how well you have prepared for the change ahead of time. In all ways. Mentally, emotionally, financially and physically preparation. Each is important.
Somebody vs. Nobody
Some missionaries feel like a “nobody” when they return stateside, missing that meaningful work and deep friendships. “Rightly or wrongly, missionary success stories are widely publicized while missionary failures are rapidly hidden away in a locked file cabinet. Veteran missionaries and mission boards are well aware of them but seldom are they studied in missions classes or in orientation courses.”
That is a shame! How sad to not be offered an opportunity to learn from mistakes and painful ordeals of former missionaries, as well as the joys and successes. We need both. That is why a good experienced mentor coach is invaluable. It is like reading a LIVING BOOK of experience. A short cut toward success and learning contentment.
Solutions
“Helping retired missionaries find solutions to their reentry problems should be part of the policy of every mission sending agency.” Bronze plaques at milestones or retirement are not enough. Actual assistance in adapting to the reverse culture shock is extremely important. A mentor coach who has been a missionary and been through the process of reentry is a great asset. Workshops are helpful, but the ongoing hour per week call with an experienced mentor coach, dedicated to your success is the best a gift the agency, home church, family member or friend can award the faithful servant.
It is important to remember: “Probably the most important factor in any ministry or activity provided for the retiree is that he or she continues to feel useful.” This will look different for each person…sometimes it takes time to figure that out.
Terminated. Leaving the Field
“How many dropouts are really pushouts.” The author lists 5 reasons for missionary pushouts.
And another list of reasons for leaving the field other than health or retirement is provided.
- Lack of gifts
- Culture shock or “culture fatigue”
- Unfulfilled expectations
- Morals
- Family problems
- Disagreement with the mission board
- Language
Burnout vs. “Brownout”
Burnout occurs “in people who have worked for too long in stressful situations…have suffered a loss of voltage because of exhaustion.”
Brownout occurs “when a good job has been done, & valuable, life-changing lessons can be learned during this period. Restoration is needed, both physical & spiritual.”
Satisfaction
“How do you measure missionary job satisfaction?” Missionary, Paul, the Apostle said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7)
It is important to notice: Paul never expected to be appreciated. He was diligent in his ministry. He knew the mission field was a battle ground. Good vs. evil. The victory was not his responsibility. Perseverance, “no matter the circumstance” (2 Cor 11:23) was his responsibility, while not allowing anything to deter him.
The joy of accomplishment
“seems to come from a knowledge of having fulfilled a calling.” A missionary interviewed by the author said this: “Of course there have been problems. Life is like that, but the joy of being used of God in some way to meet a need far outweighs them all!”
Success
Several missionaries were interviewed about steps to success, and the interviewer found “the steps had to do with the missionary himself or herself, not with circumstances, finances, or health. The most important step seemed to be the missionary’s relationship with God, which had been developed before leaving the field and maintained after arrival.”
Maturation & Enjoyment
“The joy missionaries feel has little to do with what they eat or where they live. Those who have found satisfaction & joy in long years of overseas ministry would probably agree with Missionary, Paul, the Apostle, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.” (Phil 4:12)
Satisfaction and Joy
In summary, the main point for those who finished the course feeling fulfilled: “…none…looked to the home office for help in finding joy & satisfaction in their ministry. Relationships with the people seemed to be the primary importance to them, not living conditions or external circumstances.”
I hope you have enjoyed this journey and that you will see how vital missions are for today! Perhaps you are feeling the call or you support someone who is serving overseas. I pray that this is useful to you in giving you a greater love and understanding of the complexity AND the simplicity of the missionary life! To God be the Glory! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.
God bless you bunches!
Thank you for all you do!
Awaiting His shout,
The MomCourager™
