5 Things to Keep in Mind When Moving Overseas
Compiled by Daniel Topf, PhD
Moving overseas is a momentous decision. Leaving one’s home country is never easy, but we can develop attitudes and habits that will be helpful in this kind of transition. In the following, World Team missionaries who serve or have served on different continents (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) share their insights regarding the question: What are some things to keep in mind when living and serving in a different culture?
Manage Your Expectations (by Jordan, missionary in Brazil)
A good starting point is the willingness to check your expectations. Most of us have expectations about our futures, even when we have submitted these to the Lord. Knowing how you respond to changing plans and unfulfilled expectations is important when doing cross-cultural ministry (where social/political shifts, financial resources, changes in team and leadership, and the fluidity of expat life can rapidly shift plans). Figure out which expectations might be purposed by God. You may have to steward these expectations by guarding them or making some of them “non-negotiables.”
On the other hand, discover which expectations are idols that need to be placed at the cross. After this, work on managing your response for when your expectations are unfulfilled, which is something that happens all the time in missions. This comes by knowing yourself, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict you, and permitting people you trust to speak into your life – all while stewarding well the gifts and calling that God has given you.
Communicate with People Back in the US (by Jon, missionary in Cameroon)
Regular communication with people back home is crucial. If you are called into missions and are supported financially and in prayer by family and many others, it is very important that people know your situation and circumstances so they can pray for you in specific ways and support you.
Whenever you leave for the mission field, tell people when you will be going, the name of your mission, the country and city/town where you are going to live, the people group you are called to, and what your ministry consists of. In whatever you share, always ask for prayer.
Remember to Ask Why (by Scarlett, missionary in Brazil)
Living cross-culturally, your assumptions about how the world works will be challenged. From preferences to values to core beliefs, it is easy to make quick judgments — and even easier to spiritualize those conclusions since you are “the missionary.”
Living cross-culturally, your assumptions about how the world works will be challenged. From preferences to values to core beliefs, it is easy to make quick judgments — and even easier to spiritualize those conclusions since you are “the missionary.”
Take time to pause, temporarily suspend judgment and ask, “Why?” You might be surprised at what you discover. You might find yourself delving into history books or asking more open-ended questions. You might find yourself less angry and more curious when things don’t go the way you expected. You might also find yourself beginning to question your own assumptions — and that is where real humility and growth happen. When we begin to take our questions to God and really let the whole of Scripture speak to them — not just a few verses that back up what we already believe — the Lord works in these places of discomfort to conform us into his image. We find that frequently, our beliefs about God are shaped more by our culture than his revelation, and we are called to repent and renew our minds. In the end, this means living out the same kind of heart and worldview transformation we long to see in the host culture.
Invest in Your Own Spiritual Wellbeing (by missionaries in Central Asia)
Consider how you will be fueled spiritually when living overseas. Not all locations offer churches for workers to attend. Some countries, especially those in restricted access areas, may necessitate the need to rely on a house church, small group gathering with other expats, and podcasts or online sermons to support yourself spiritually and maintain a healthy relationship with God. Be prepared and willing to invest in your own spiritual life. Always stay connected to God in prayer. The Lord is both good and sovereign, and we can trust him regarding what we and those around us need.
Know Your Limitations (by Ashlee, missionary in Cameroon)
One of the most common challenges missionaries face is burnout. Mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual burnout all come at different times and in different ways, but most missionaries will face burnout at some point in their journeys. To avoid this, it is crucial to know your limitations and to communicate them well with your team. Ultimately, missionaries are not God. We cannot help everyone who has a need, and in all likelihood, many of the people you interact with on the field will have major needs, whether physical, spiritual or all of the above. It is crucial that we approach ministry with the mindset that God can and will use us, but we are not the Savior of the world. We all have limited time and energy; that’s how God created us!
The next step is to know what stresses you or drains you and to regularly check in (by yourself or with a teammate) to see if you’re going at a sustainable pace or if you’re running yourself into the ground. There will always be times when we have to sacrifice rest in order to focus on urgent ministry needs, but that should not be the norm and can have the opposite effect of pulling you away from ministry if you burn out. It is ok to say “no” sometimes.
Another important habit is to set aside regular time to rest. Everyone needs rest, even those who are extroverted or naturally energetic and driven. The Lord gave us a Sabbath for a reason – to rest in him. It’s not selfish or wrong to make sure you’re taking time to sleep, read, exercise, etc., in order to stay healthy. Once you have set aside times for refreshment, let your team know so as to avoid the frustration of miscommunication or unrealistic expectations.
Onward!
In conclusion, living and serving overseas has its challenges, but it can also be a profoundly rewarding experience. How about you – what could be your next step in terms of committing your life to missions? World Team would love to help you prepare and come alongside you through coaching. Connect below to talk to a missions coach.