Taking children overseas is like repotting a young tender plant

When mission partners go overseas, they uproot their children from relationships and networks that have been key influences in their lives. They take their children out of the education and healthcare systems and, depending on location, may take full responsibility for these while abroad.

Thankfully, wider family relationships continue, albeit from a distance. Mission partners are also very much part of the body of believers in their sending church, even while physically absent. For the children of our mission partners, the support from the sending church can be crucial for a number of reasons. Situations vary widely but, in our observation, sometimes there are language and cultural barriers, and the host church may be young, so the children of mission partners may lack nourishing soil in the form of age-related teaching and friendship within the host church family.

Ephesians 6: 4 reminds us that the primary responsibility for spiritual teaching of children rests with parents, but it can feel a lonely task overseas without the support of the local church that they enjoyed in their home culture. The sending church can play a vital role in providing ongoing support for mission partners as they raise their children to know and love Jesus Christ.

Uproot gently, taking some soil with the roots

The support and ongoing contact with the sending church can be part of the ‘soil’ that goes with the roots. 

Remember that ‘good goodbyes’ are important for children as well as their parents. Allow children to name what they will miss and not have to hide their fears and stay positive all the time! Some roots will be torn as they move and it is healthy to acknowledge this. 

Designate a link person to keep in touch – this is not to say that other members of the church family won’t stay in touch, but it does mean that there can be organised, consistent contact that can be relied on, on behalf of the church, and that all children of mission partners are equally cared for! Pray for children specifically, by name, as well as the family in general and ask for updates.

Handle with care! Repotted plants are sensitive.

Maintain contact with the Sunday School or youth group through video calls, letters, Sunday School prizes and resources. 

Remember mission partners’ children on special occasions such as Christmas. For example, provide a refillable advent calendar and send small items to fill it, including encouraging notes for the children. 

Keep in touch with teenagers, even if it is all one way! It is especially important as they reach the age when they are finding their own identity and are tempted to disengage from church. Maintaining consistent, informed contact that doesn’t cost much financially is better than random generous bursts! Don’t start anything that can’t be maintained.

Water the young plant … with prayer

Pray for:

  • Their salvation, growth in grace, and protection against the enemy
  • Relationships in the family and beyond 
  • Adjustment to all that is new 
  • Safety and health 
  • Education 
  • Ask for specific prayer requests from the children

Watch for signs of growth

Ultimately, the ability of children to adjust to transitions and cope well has a lot to do with the health of family relationships. The nuclear family is the only constant through all moves, and relationships with one another and God are key. Ask mission partners not just what but how they are doing as a family, asking about each child by name. 

We want to see our mission partners’ children thrive spiritually, emotionally and physically: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2: 6 – 7)

Rosalind Brown is TCK Coordinator for UFM Worldwide