(This time-line begins upon my return to the States in October 2007)
Short-Term Goals:
Within the next year, I plan to…
- Learn the historic and current trends in Missionary Care through books, seminars, and interviews
- Apply what I learn to in the development of Missionary Care in Alternative Missions considering the unique values of the organization
- Assist in forming the Missionary Care Team for Alternative Missions - including first 2 missionary care trips to Cofradia, MX and Helene, Honduras.
Long-Term Goals:
In the next 5 years…
- Obtain a Masters in Social Work from Azusa Pacific Univeristy (anticipated graduation date is May 2012).
- Begin working towards licensure by obtaining supervised counseling hours. (I will need to accrue a total of 300 hours under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and sit for the license exam).
- Continue Missionary Care with Alternative Missions by communicating with missionaries via internet and traveling to various ministry locations during semester breaks.
- Receive training in specific aspects of member care including critical stress management, debrief counseling, etc.
- Network various needs of Missionary Care through seminars, conferences, etc.
In the next 10 years and beyond…
- Expand Missionary Care within Alternative Missions, creating programs addressing specific needs and life stages of missionaries - i.e. missionary kids, retirement, pre-field training, re-entry, etc.
- Expand my influence in Missionary Care to additional churches/organizations (Note: this would be in addition to Alternative Missions unless God leads otherwise)
- Facilitate international seminars for missionaries and those interested in missionary care. For example, hosting a seminar in Mazatlan to train missionaries throughout Mexico and Central America in self-care techniques, teaming, debrief counseling, etc.
- Train mission teams in community development for new start-up locations.
- Travel internationally to assist in debrief counseling to missionaries following traumatic events (i.e. tsunami, major earthquakes, war, etc.)
What will it take to get there?
Would YOU like to get involved?
- PRAY - The effective prayer of the righteous avails much (James 5). Please pray for wisdom and guidance in missionary care as well as excellence in studies.
- GIVE - My Masters will cost $35,000 over the next four years. Continuing to provide missionary care will involve the cost of conferences, materials, plus annual international travel. I estimate that missionary care will cost approximately $4,000 annually (not including school fees).
- RESOURCE - Do you have materials or know somebody that may be of assistance in these goals? Some resources to consider - sky miles, office supplies, information regarding grants/scholarships
“May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21