MissionPrep and the Preparation of Missionaries

Donna and I are serving this week and next in downtown Toronto helping prepare missionary candidates for the mission field. In a program run by MissionPrep called COPE, "Cultural Orientation for Personal Endurance and Enjoyment" , the missionaries are given intensive training in living "the paradox of the enjoyment/endurance challenge of cross-cultural experience". With a combination of experiential and formal instruction, the missionaries are taught the spiritual, personal, inter-personal, and cultural aspects of the mission experience.

It has been great to interact with these talented and gifted missionaries, sharing with them some of our experiences in Spain, and listening to their hopes and goals. While listening to the facilitators cover many important aspects of life on the mission field, we were reminded of the many cultural experiences we had during our years in Spain. It is great to know that the mission organizations of these missionaries hold these courses in high enough regard to require their attendance. It has been proven that missionary attrition rates-- drop out rates-- are significantly reduced when missionaries are properly trained about the stresses they will face when they reach the mission field. When you consider all the effort and preparation that goes into heeding Christ's call to reach the nations, it is a shame when missionaries leave the field before their time is complete.

With programs like MissionPrep's COPE, missionaries can more rapidly adapt to their new surroundings, withstand the pressures of culture, and endure much longer on the mission field. Agencies are realizing that the cost of such programs are well worth the investment and missionary supporters-- like you-- have been generous in understanding the importance of such expenses in the missionaries' support packages.

Donna is in charge of meal preparation and Gregg helps her occasionally or facilitates some of the sessions. We had an opportunity to share our testimony last Tuesday. Gregg shared a devotional "Thought for the Day" from 2Corinthians12 also on Tuesday. Donna will share a devotional thought this coming Thursday. Thanks for upholding these families and singles in your prayers as they prepare to enter the field phase of their missionary service.

By the way, another great missionary support organization that has had a big impact on our personal lives and on our ministry is Caring For Others based in the Mid-West USA. John and Janet are great leaders and wonderful listeners!

Do you have a favorite organization that serves missionaries and helps them be successful in their calling?