Book Reviews for Autumn 2013

Doing Member Care Well

Ed. by Kelly O’Donnell, 2002

This book explores how member care is being practised around the world to equip sending organizations as they intentionally support their mission/aid personnel. The information provided includes personal accounts, guidelines, case studies, worksheets, and practical advice from all over the globe.

Enhancing Missionary Vitality

Ed. by John Powell & Joyce Bowers, 2002

A comprehensive, 500-page book about member care of primarily North American missionaries. Perplexing challenges faced by the international missions community are addressed from the unique perspective of Christian mental health professionals. See more at: http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/ResourceView/2/9739#sthash.ieqfZEjj.dpuf

Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

By David Pollock & Ruth Van Reken, revised in 2009

[Ed. note: This book was featured in our last issue, on page 24. If you don’t have a copy on hand, you can go to http://jema.org and use the button on the righthand column marked “Japan Harvest Magazine: Click here to view back issues” to find the Summer 2013 issue (Vol. 65 No. 1). Viewing back issues of Japan Harvest is a free benefit for registered members of JEMA.]

Too Valuable to Lose

Ed. by William D. Taylor, 1997

Does God really care about His servants? Yes! Do we care for our people who are serving the Lord in cross-cultural ministry? The Reducing Missionary Attrition Project (ReMAP), launched by World Evangelical Fellowship Missions Commission, seeks to answer that question in this important study. This book utilizes the findings of a 14-nation study done by ReMAP and will help supply some very encouraging answers.

Worth Keeping

Ed. by Rob Hay, et al., 2007

“Worth Keeping is more than worth just reading. I urge church and mission leaders to reflect on the research and absorb the principles contained in this important volume. I am convinced if we put into practice its recommendations we will see more effective missionaries who feel valued as servants of the living God. Worth Keeping should be required reading for all mission leaders and local church mission teams.” –Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director, World Evangelical Alliance, Canada.

[Ed. note: This book is a follow-up to Taylor’s Too Valuable to Lose.]

The Family in Mission: Understanding and Caring for Those Who Serve

Ed. by Leslie Andrews, 2004

This book—a series of essays about family issues for those involved in missionary work—is the final product of 15 years of study of missionary kids and missionary families by the MK-CART/CORE group and supported by several mission agencies. It includes material from 23 contributors.

Tender Care

Ed. by Barnabas International, 2010

Seven coworkers from Barnabas International invite you into their conversation as they take a practical, candid, biblical look at the task of refreshing the hearts and souls of those who carry the good news of God’s love to the nations.

Wendy Marshall is the managing editor of Japan Harvest. She’s learnt most of what she knows about writing from her international critique group, Truth Talk. She’s Australian and works with OMF International.

Trauma & Resilience

Ed. by Frauke & Charles Schaefer, 2013

Are you looking for resources to come alongside people who are suffering as they serve God? This book brings together theological perspectives; personal stories; and spiritual, psychological, community, and medical resources. It is research-based and at the same time practical. This is a handbook for church and mission leaders, peer supporters, counselors, those in personnel and member care roles, as well as those who suffer. It is also an excellent resource for training courses about this topic.