When they return
When they return...
Going to another country as a missionary can be a traumatic experience, but so can coming home.
Having become accustomed to living in a new environment there is reverse culture shock as the returning missionary has to adjust back to life in an affluent consumer culture. There are a lot of adjustments to make and friends helping with the practical arrangements can make the transition easier.
Accomodation
Any property they own may be let and unavailable. Is there any chance of their having a place to themselves (singles as well as families)?
Transport
How will they get around? Could a car be given or lent for the early days of their return? If a hire car is needed you could make the arrangements. *
Clothes
Back home again they would surely appreciate a shopping trip for some new clothes.
Welcome back party
Give them breathing space and then perhaps give them a party, let them know their home coming is a special event. They could share something (briefly) about their situation but the emphasis would be to show you care.
Schooling
Schooling might need to be organised if they are home with children. Might there be particular problems with this that you could help with by doing some research?
Holidays
You could help with arrangements for a holiday for them or their children. Even after a relatively short time abroad it can take time to readjust. Rest, relaxation and time with the family are vital.
Deputation
A large part of the time back home will probably be spent taking meetings and (re-) establishing contacts and openings for publicising their work and that of the mission agency in general.
Organising the diary and arranging advance bookings in your area (in liaison with your missionaries!) may be an area you could help in.
Meetings can take many different forms from slides and a talk to a presentation by a church that has had a chance to do its homework before the "expert" arrives.
Visiting
As well as the meetings, overseas workers usually appreciate the chance to spend time with prayer partners on a more personal basis but with so much travelling they may find it easier if you arrange to visit them.
*We can tell you about companies that provide cars at a reduced rate to missionaries.
