Those who work as caregivers for missionaries and ministry personnel learn things most people don’t either think about or hear about. Have you considered that people in ministry face everyday difficulties that can sometimes be overwhelming?
Many times stories of traumatic incidents are not expressed to the people at home. The missionary doesn’t talk about some things and keeps a “stiff upper lip”.
This silence about stresses can be caused by fear of losing support; inadequate processing of incidents; the desire to deny problems have occurred; or busyness on the part of those who could listen.
The pains and disappointments of ministry life are many and learning to address them benefits both the giver of care and the ministry worker.
Here’s an excerpt from materials provided during a recent class covering trauma and stress encountered “in home and international ministries” that points out there can be relief from the discomforts experienced.
“Dedicated and often heroic people manage to respond to human needs in spite of limited means and personnel. These people with a purpose keep on helping, promoting justice, and advancing the kingdom in difficult circumstances. However, extended periods of high demand or severe trauma take a toll on these earthen vessels of heavenly purpose. Burnout, depression, and posttraumatic stress can be the result. Fortunately, there are practical ways to reduce the stress of ministry.”*
Some suggested ways to build resilience are regular aerobic exercise, sufficient sleep, healthy eating, balancing work and rest, taking deliberate downtimes, making or relaxing to music, and meditation.
One of the areas of greatest need is to maintain relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading/study. Making time and space for spiritual disciplines is critical to ministry success.
Missionary Support Network exists to help missionaries get the rest, soul care, and help they need to stay at their work. We are currently partnering with proven services that offer retreats, short-term counseling, and spiritual direction.
*from TRAUMA & RESILIENCE – A HANDBOOK for HEALTHY STRESS MANAGEMENT by Frauke Schaefer, MD