I have been so sheltered. I grew up in a middle-class family with all we needed and much of what we wanted. I’ve served, most of my adult life, the same type of people. I am seldom confronted by poverty, and even when that happens, it is by a few blind or lame begging on busy city sidewalks. I’ve often wondered how people like me can really help the profoundly poor of many third world or developing countries. For some of my PW sisters, dealing with poverty is an everyday issue; it may even be the very fabric of your service. I commend you!
In this issue of Peter’s Wife, I am sharing a newsletter from Tammy, one of our PW family of readers. She shares her experiences in helping one poor boy. As you read it, remember to ask God to help you see people as he sees them. Ask Him to make you alert to the individual, not just involved in the big projects. And maybe all of us can ask the Father to show us one life we can touch with his love, whoever it is, wherever it is. Continue reading 'Helping the Poor'»
We are in the U.S. on a short home leave to visit our family, friends, and church. I am so grateful for the articles and devotionals that some of our readers sent after my appeal last month. I believe everyone will be blessed as we share insights and stories from others. Carolyn shares from life overseas with a baby and a toddler. Be blessed!
Pancakes By Candlelight
Yesterday I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman—entirely by accident.
Ben (my 4 month-old) woke up for his morning feed, and I looked at my watch and thought it said ten minutes to seven. Thinking Will (my 2 year-old) would be up soon, I decided not to go back to bed because I knew I’d feel even more tired if I went back to sleep. Continue reading 'Pancakes by Candlelight'»
Have you thought about your brain lately? As I learn more about the brain, I am awed by its amazing ability to learn and its flexibility. Since most PWs live and work in a host culture, our ability to adapt is vital. Lose that and you lose your effectiveness. Thankfully, God has fashioned us with the capacity to adapt right from our conception.
Continue reading 'The Flexible Brain–key to cultural adaptability'»
Everyone needs to feel they belong. As we all know, moving from our home culture and living in another can make it hard for our kids to know where home is. It takes some planning and effort to give our Third Culture Kids(TCKs) a sense of belonging. If you are raising your kids on the field now, these tips will be especially helpful. If you have friends raising TCKs, you can be ready to lend a hand in helping them grow strong roots in a foreign land.
Our article this month was written by Ruth Van Reken. Ruth shares from her own experience as a second generation MK and as a mother to three MKs. Her writing on this subject was included in Global Mission Handbook by Steve Hoke and Bill Taylor. Continue reading 'Strong Roots in Foreign Soil'»
Recently we had a chance to talk to some folks just preparing to go out as cross-culture workers. What a joy it was to have a part in preparing them for what they would face on the field. That made me think about what some of their greatest challenges would be. As we all know, there are few things more challenging than learning to live and serve effectively in a host culture. Just thinking back to our early years and first posting can give us the shakes! How did we ever manage? And how did our new friends tolerate us? Ultimately it was, and is Father’s faithfulness.
Some years ago I did a little informal survey of some PWs. Their answers fell into nine categories. I thought it might be a good time to take another look at these challenges. Keep in mind as you look at them, that many of these are stresses we, as workers, cannot change. We find ways to adapt and adjust our expectations. This isn’t bad, but it takes work on our part and grace from our Father- lots of it. Continue reading 'Our Greatest Challenges'»
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