Volume 12 Issue 7 | August
31, 2018
Monthly Snapshot
TRANSITION COACHING - STINT TO STAFF
This summer, I had the joy of joining four young people in their journey from STINT (one- to two-year international internship) to New Staff. These STINTers each served in unique environments and in unique capacities all over the world. Their experiences varied, but the common themes reveal the universal beauty of the Lord’s work as we serve overseas. During our weekly coaching calls, I was constantly reminded of my own transition back to the US as they shared struggles with reverse culture shock and feelings of isolation and “otherness”. We talked about wrestling with the Lord, processing all He had done on STINT, and next steps for future ministry. As they head to New Staff Training, I asked them to share a bit with you so you can join them in their journey, too.
Maddie – served in Eastern Europe – heading to Providence, RI
“Something… surprisingly hard has been shopping. Shopping in another language has its own levels of stress, so I was looking forward to going back to something ‘easy’. But I have been home for two months, and I find shopping here to still be overwhelming. I can't just go into a store here and buy milk when my mom asks. The options here are endless and overwhelming.”
Sandra – served our ministries in North Africa/Middle East – heading back to her secure location
“(I am joining staff because I realized) how exciting + privileged it was that I could live missionally and advance the Gospel in a way that utilized my passion for accounting!”
“I still struggle to remember that the men and women I bump into in Trader Joe’s don’t know the French equivalents to ‘sorry!’ or ‘excuse me, please!’”
Aaron – served in eleven different locations around the world – heading to Providence, RI.
“I knew God was a global God, but interacting with His people, and seeing Him at work all over the place all the time, was exciting and eye opening to how great our God really is. It also gave me a glimpse, in every country we went to, when we were worshiping what Heaven is going to look like with every tribe, tongue, and nation praising Christ.”
Caroline – served in East Asia – heading back to her secure location
“As I prayed about [next steps], God kept reminding me of the ways my heart had been broken every single day over the last year for the students I met and people I encountered. There is more work to be done in East Asia, and I couldn't shake the feeling that God wanted me to continue to be on the frontlines of the battle there. So now here I am!”
PRAISES AND PRAYER
This fall, I will be splitting my time between continuing to build my team of ministry partners and summer placements for all of the staff serving in Cohorts 1-4.
Please pray for the 70 STINTers who are joining staff with us full-time this September. They are still going through cultural adjustments as they take seminary classes and begin to develop their teams of ministry partners. As they enter into Ministry Partner Development, pray the Lord will keep their vision fresh as He provides for the financial needs in His own timing.
