When people return from the mission field, they’ve witnessed the power of God like never before. Their faith has been stretched and they see the world through new lenses after spreading the gospel across different cultures.
Moving from one culture to another can be an exciting but stressful time.
Some common feelings missionaries—both long-term and short-term—have shared with us include…
- Disinterest
- Fatigue
- Irritability and anger
- Disgust for American materialism
- Disorientation
- Depression, sadness and disillusionment
- Conflicting emotions
As the missionary’s supporter, it’s crucial to recognize that what they knew of God and the world has been challenged. You now have the privilege of walking with them … learning from their experience and helping them understand all while growing in the Lord through them.
With these things in mind, we want to give you three practical ways to best welcome the missionaries in your life home from the field.
Pray
Before they even step foot on American soil, pray for their return.
You won’t be welcoming the same person home … and that’s a good thing. God has shown them more of Himself through their time overseas, but that doesn’t mean they won’t experience reverse culture shock in a place that was once comfortable.
Ask God to help them adjust to life at home again and to give you an understanding and graceful spirit towards them.
Listen
They’ve seen a whole new world and they want to desperately share it with the people they’re closest too.
Be “quick to listen and slow to speak”… giving them an opportunity to walk you through the days, months and potentially years they’ve spent submerged in the place God called them to declare His glorious works and praises.
Their experience has changed them, and it holds the potential to do the same for you too if you lend a listening ear.
Ask Questions
Listening is great, but it’s equally important to show interest in what your missionary shares by asking questions. This is active listening at it’s best.
As they share stories about what they learned and experienced on the field, ask follow up questions.
They are eager to tell you more and will feel loved by your curiosity in how God worked in their lives. This will also help you better understand their emotions—both positive and negative—as they readjust to life at home.
The road of reentry for missionaries is filled with moments of highs and lows, and we hope these tips better equip you to be a warm welcome home.