"It is inevitable that we will suffer and there are losses, insults, and injuries that shake us so deeply that we can barely stand. Traumatic experiences demand that we reorient our spirit, mind, and body to a vastly new way of living or we will not grow let alone endure the suffering. This brilliant book explores the nature of trauma and its effect on the whole person and invites both those in trauma and care givers to consider what is involved in becoming passionately alive, free, and sensitive to the mystery of heartache. I found the stories of trauma and the reflections on those narratives both heartbreaking and enlivening as theory and practice was given the soil of actual suffering to ponder. This is a majestic work, worthy to be in the armamentarium of every person who is serious about engaging human suffering in the light of a Biblical world view.” Dan B. Allender, Ph.D., Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
"To many books in missions don't deal with reality - this one aims at the center of a reality that we see with everyone we debrief at MTI and hits it straight on. Effective care for cross-cultural messengers of the gospel, regardless of whether their vocation is in the field of demonstration or proclamation, is very dependent on empowering them for resilience and how you intervene after a trauma. Our Master, of whom we are disciples, tells us as the Father sent me, so I you… if they persecuted me, then you bet they are going to give you a hard time… and count the cost. Ministers of the gospel experience suffering and trauma. It's time to deal directly with this reality of cross-cultural work in today's world. The editors have mined the depths of God's general revelation and special revelation to find the core of resilience – with writers who are experts from the field of theology, medicine, spiritual direction and psychology – yet, offer it's gold nuggets in the form of personal stories that make it all come together. This book is a must read for anyone in a cross–cultural role." Steve Sweatman, Ph.D., CEO of Mission Training International in Colorado, USA
One of the most important books for those supporting Christian missionaries. "This important book brings together wisdom of years of experience in caring for those in ministry. Quite simply, it is one of the most important books written for those supporting Christian missionaries today. Read it!" John Fawcett, International Staff Care Consultant, New Zealand
Profound. "The balance of professional and spiritual insights in this book is profound and will be a tremendous help to everyone who cares for those who serve God. It deeply touches the core of cross-cultural ministry." Annemie Grosshauser, Psychologist, Member Care Europe , Germany
Practical strategies. "An outstanding book, containing many practical strategies for enhancing resilience. We owe it to those who face trauma, to put into practice what is written here."
Dr. Debbie Hawker, Clinical Psychologist, Executive Committee of the Global Member Care Network, UK
"To many books in missions don't deal with reality - this one aims at the center of a reality that we see with everyone we debrief at MTI and hits it straight on. Effective care for cross-cultural messengers of the gospel, regardless of whether their vocation is in the field of demonstration or proclamation, is very dependent on empowering them for resilience and how you intervene after a trauma. Our Master, of whom we are disciples, tells us as the Father sent me, so I you… if they persecuted me, then you bet they are going to give you a hard time… and count the cost. Ministers of the gospel experience suffering and trauma. It's time to deal directly with this reality of cross-cultural work in today's world. The editors have mined the depths of God's general revelation and special revelation to find the core of resilience – with writers who are experts from the field of theology, medicine, spiritual direction and psychology – yet, offer it's gold nuggets in the form of personal stories that make it all come together. This book is a must read for anyone in a cross–cultural role." Steve Sweatman, Ph.D., CEO of Mission Training International in Colorado, USA
One of the most important books for those supporting Christian missionaries. "This important book brings together wisdom of years of experience in caring for those in ministry. Quite simply, it is one of the most important books written for those supporting Christian missionaries today. Read it!" John Fawcett, International Staff Care Consultant, New Zealand
Profound. "The balance of professional and spiritual insights in this book is profound and will be a tremendous help to everyone who cares for those who serve God. It deeply touches the core of cross-cultural ministry." Annemie Grosshauser, Psychologist, Member Care Europe , Germany
Practical strategies. "An outstanding book, containing many practical strategies for enhancing resilience. We owe it to those who face trauma, to put into practice what is written here."
Dr. Debbie Hawker, Clinical Psychologist, Executive Committee of the Global Member Care Network, UK