In this episode of The Rest is Just Geography, Chesed sits down with Mark and Linda, who spent many years serving in Japan before returning to the United States. They share their story of life and ministry overseas, and how those experiences eventually shaped Mark’s work building and later directing a Member Care department with the International Mission Board, as well as Linda’s role in training and equipping workers for cross‑cultural service.

From there, the conversation widens to the importance of intentional member care within mission‑sending organizations. Together, they reflect on the role of counseling and training - both for those preparing to go overseas and for those already serving on the field - and why caring for the emotional and spiritual well‑being of missionaries is not optional, but essential. As God sends His people out to invest in the nations, this episode reminds us that He is just as committed to caring for those He sends.

This episode was produced by Chesed Anne Dent Fitzsimons.

Podcast editing: Chesed Anne Dent Fitzsimons, Cohen Kern & Peyton Rice

Podcast music: Endless Bliss - written by Sander Kalmeijer, performed and produced by Sounds Like Sander.

Podcast cover image: Photography and design by Jonathan Brown.

Please note that guests of this podcast may use pseudonyms.