The Cross-Cultural Worker's Spiritual Survival Guide: 14 Survival Tips to Help You Thrive in Your Calling

by Don Mingo

The Cross-cultural Worker’s Spiritual Survival Guide results from collaborating with dozens of cross-cultural member care workers through the Global Member Care Network. I asked these Missionary Care Providers who serve thousands of missionaries worldwide this one “What is the greatest spiritual neglect of missionaries that come to you for help?”The response was overwhelming. This, along with my own years of service as a missionary among the Zulu people in South Africa, and interacting with hundreds of missionaries over the years, led me to write this book.Scattered across the shores of missionary service lay ruined lives of missionaries who succumbed to the pressures, traps, and temptations that missionary life often brings. Here, I offer 14 Spiritual Survival Tips that will encourage you to serve longer, stronger, and live a spiritually healthier life. These tips may save your ministry, and perhaps your life too. This book will help you navigate the spiritual challenges that missionary life most certainly brings. As the Zulu people say, “It will help you go well, and stay well.”

221 pages, Paperback

Published February 23, 2021

Reviews

[Dan Mingo]

It is interesting to read the perspective of things from my dad. Obviously the way I saw things as a kid on the field were different, many times because my parents protected me from all that was around. There are some practical insights here for missionaries or those working overseas. Every missionary should consider reading this book to gain a new perspective on what it means to survive spirituality in another culture.

[Jeffrey Bush]

Every missionary should read this book! I was challenged, helped, inspired, and encouraged. What a book! Every one of the books by this author are top notch! I took an abundance of notes from this book, but do not want to attempt to repeat all the wonderful things within these pages, so I'll just give a few takeaways I personally gleaned form this great book.

Expectations are the graveyards of missionaries. Believing that somehow the mission field will fulfill you, or thinking that people will lineup to love and follow you is not real.

Missionaries frequently say that the mission field was not like they imagined it, or is far different than the short term trips they took in the past.

Wish upon a star all you want, but it will most likely not turn out as you want. Your high expectations will crash against the rocks of reality.

The adventure ends when you stop taking pictures of the new country. When the new country becomes home.

Disappointment comes when expectations are not met.

[Rachelle Metzger]

Great useful read for missionaries

A wonderful, encouraging, practical manual for cross-cultural missionaries. I recommend as reading to anyone looking to become a missionary, just starting out, or a veteran missionary

[Becka Trill]

This book is written in such a way that makes it an easy read but challenging to the mind. It helped me realize that I’m not alone in my challenges but also how to refocus on God and His calling in my life. Also helped me to smile just a little more. Highly recommend!

[Missy Sanders]

This is a must read for veteran and new missionaries!

[Kathy]

Great book with tools to help spiritual workers that work in cross cultural environments. A must read!