About the Speakers

* Rachel Hartman has worked as a freelance writer and author for the past two decades. She and her husband met in Mexico City, where he was serving as a missionary. Together the couple has spent time serving in Latin America, Miami, and the United Kingdom. They currently reside in London with their four children, along with a cat and a dog.

* Cindy is a registered nurse, mom of five, and wife to missionary Andrew Johnston. Growing up in a large family of 14 children, Cindy learned early the value of teamwork, resilience, and love. Deeply committed to sharing the gospel, she and her husband serve together in their mission work while also partnering with a health and wellness company to help others live their best lives. A lover of travel, Cindy has lived in places like Antigua, Mexico, and Miami, and enjoys teaching swimming lessons on the side. With a heart for adventure, a strong faith, and a commitment to balance, she’s always looking for new ways to inspire and empower those around her.

* Christine Doebler is an evangelist for Friends Network and also a Christian life coach for Grace in Action. She and her husband Matt have been married for 30 years and have 5 adult children (3 biological, 2 in-laws) and 3 grandchildren. (1 due in August).

Key Discussion Points

* Preparing for the Mission Field

* The importance of learning from those who have previously served on the mission field, while also recognizing the uniqueness of individual experiences.

* Gathering advice from both current and former missionaries in the field to gain a well-rounded perspective.

* Balancing received advice with personal judgment, as highlighted by an anecdote about differing opinions on whether to bring bikes.

* The necessity of adaptability, flexibility, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor in navigating unpredictable situations.

* Challenges Faced by Missionary Wives

* Common challenges include culture shock, adapting to a new environment, and feelings of isolation.

* The challenge of redefining purpose and identity in a new culture, including establishing new routines and networks.

* Maintaining spiritual life and support systems, with emphasis on the importance of marriage.

* Turning Challenges into Blessings

* Instances where challenges, such as a year of nomadic living, led to unexpected family bonding and growth.

* The value of tools like Strength Finders in enhancing spousal understanding and teamwork.

* The significance of engaging in family devotions for collective spiritual growth.

* Community and Relationships

* The role of mission teams as a source of support and “family” in the absence of close relatives.

* The unique opportunity to form deep and meaningful friendships in the mission field.

* The transformative experience of living as an expat, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of belonging and connection.

* Experiencing a profound appreciation for one’s faith, as shared in a personal reflection on witnessing a large gathering in Mexico City.

* The natural opportunities for sharing faith and engaging in spiritual conversations in a mission context.

* Creating Family Traditions

* The significance of establishing new family traditions to create a sense of continuity and comfort in a foreign setting.

* Incorporating elements from both home and host cultures to enrich traditions, as illustrated by anecdotes about Christmas trees and birthday songs.

* Staying Connected with Family

* The importance of cherishing in-person time with family and the enhanced appreciation for those relationships.

* Leveraging technology for regular communication while being mindful of its potential drawbacks.

* Adopting a mindset of “home” being the current place of residence to aid in settling and building local connections.

* Resources and Recommendations

* The value of books in deepening cultural understanding, including the suggestion to explore works by local authors.

* Actively participating in local customs and events to foster connection and build bridges, exemplified by the Hartman family's immersion in British culture.

* The importance of mindful representation of the host culture to others, balancing personal experiences with respect and positivity.

* Cultural Adaptation

* Acknowledging the time and patience required for cultural adaptation, with personal anecdotes on navigating cultural differences.

Final Thoughts

* Gratitude for those who embark on mission work, acknowledging the challenges and the ultimate blessings.

* Encouragement to embrace the journey and find joy in every situation.

Reading List

* The Bible

* African Friends and Money Matters – Recommended for those preparing for work in Africa.

* A Framework for Understanding Poverty

* Unoffendable

* Toxic Charity

* Foreign to Familiar

* The 3D Gospel

* Love and Respect

* We Are Not the Hero

* Third Culture Kids

* Strengths Finders 2.0

* Books about working in teams or marriage

Common Terms and Links on Jesus and Jetlag

* WELS = Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (wels.net)

* WLS = Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon Wisconsin (wisluthsem.org)

* Collection of Confessional Lutheran Essays

* BWM = WELS Board for World Missions

* CELC = Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

* CICR = Commission on Inter-Church Relations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

* Vicar = a pastoral intern in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran system

* Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly (WLQ) - A theological journal, published by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, that aims to serve pastors and theologians with scholarly articles, book reviews, and reflections on contemporary theological and pastoral concerns.

* Pastoral Studies Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

All commentary, statements, and discussion on this podcast reflect the knowledge, insight, and experience solely of the individuals presenting and featured on the podcast.

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