I recently received the following question in an email from a coworker, “What would you say are the top 3 Biblical principles that are important for people considering a life in missions?”

Around halfway through the semester, we hold a discussion with our students on the biblical perspective of suffering based on a sermon by Francis Chan.  Personally, that discussion has had new meaning for us depending on what life circumstances are happening during that season.  But no matter the season, we come to the same realization: suffering is allowed and ordained by God for the sake of the character of His children.

I’ve moved my life overseas a few times now, and the more I do it, the easier it gets. I’ve observed many other people move overseas as well and often times I’ve thought, “Oh wow, I wish someone would’ve told you not to bring all of that medicine with you! You could have filled that space with almond butter instead and bought the pharmaceuticals here—and for so much cheaper!”

Living overseas in a culture that is not your own is both exhilarating and exhausting, sometimes all at the same time. There are highs and lows, pros and cons, victories and defeats.  Have you ever lived in a different culture? Read about the joys and hardships of cross-cultural living from the perspective of one our overseas workers. 

Whether you are an avid reader with a lengthy booklist or someone who considers seeing the movie the same as reading the book, we all can agree these books are worth your time.  If you are considering missions, working in ministry or just want to grow in your faith, these books will guide you into a deeper understanding of God’s heart.   

There is an old saying “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.  Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.”  We have many of these pithy statements that pass down easily memorized wisdom.  I would like to introduce to you a new saying of warning: “There’s Always a Ship to Tarshish.”