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UPSTREAM BLOG
The Upstream Blog is published two times a week and contains content from missions leaders, pastors, missiologists, and the Upstream team on a wide variety of topics pertaining to being a sending church. Leave us some comments or questions!
Mike Easton
Feb 26, 20244 min read
Beyond Reverse Culture Shock Introduction
I’m a World War II history nerd. I have watched almost every documentary out there on this time period. As the largest conflict in...
Megan Norton
Feb 19, 20245 min read
Helping Older TCKs Transition to College
Many third-culture kids (TCKs) return to their passport country to pursue higher education. Some do so due to language, some due to...
Ryan Martin
Feb 12, 20246 min read
Ways to Invite Missionary Influence in the Church
I get most energized by being on the field with missionaries, but a close second is hearing from them while they are stateside. Walking...
Erica Beiler
Jan 22, 20244 min read
A Church Re-Entry Example
Below is an example of how churches can debrief short-term teams during re-entry. As you take your team through this activity, give them...
Bruce Mewbourne
Jan 15, 20244 min read
Where to Now? Helping Short-Term Teams Return Well
Getting excited about sending out short-term teams is easy. A short-term mission experience is, perhaps, one of the most effective ways...
Megan Norton
Dec 18, 20236 min read
Helping TCKs through Re-Entry
Reverse culture shock (also called re-entry stress) can occur when you return to your “home” country after spending time in another...
Ryan Martin
Jun 12, 20236 min read
Post-Field Care: Plan, Presence, and Pathways to Reengagement
Post-field care can be the most challenging care for churches to provide. Missionaries come home for numerous reasons—scheduled visits,...
Shirley Ralston
Jul 1, 20211 min read
Healthy At Home: More Resources for Healthy Minds, Bodies, Souls, and Practical Needs
Here is a list of resources to further help you care for your sent ones' mind, body, soul, and practical needs.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 28, 20215 min read
Healthy at Home: Helping Hands
Relying on the local church for travel, lodging plans, and fellowship has long been the norm for those sent out to deliver the Good News.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 24, 20214 min read
Healthy at Home: Healthy Souls
Maintaining healthy souls on reentry is a community effort that takes time and commitment.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 21, 20215 min read
Healthy at Home: Healthy Bodies
Providing for the needs of the body lays the groundwork for rest and renewal of the mind, alleviating stress in sent ones’ reentry process.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 17, 20213 min read
Healthy at Home: Healthy Minds Part 2—Professional Christian Counseling
Professional Christian counseling may be necessary for returned workers who have experienced trauma or levels of high stress on the field.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 14, 20215 min read
Healthy at Home: Healthy Minds Part 1—Debriefing
Debriefing helps ensure sent ones' continued health, resiliency, and well-being.
Shirley Ralston
Jun 10, 20213 min read
Healthy at Home: Five Ways to Provide Holistic Care for Returned Global Workers
Reentry care is a multi-faceted endeavor that requires constant tending. Our attention to their care is key to health and longevity.
Mike Easton
Apr 12, 20212 min read
Overview of Sending Church Element 15: Receiving Sent Ones During Reentry
Consider how you can serve and love the Sent-Ones from your church as they make this difficult re-entry for a short time or permanently.
Megan Norton
Jul 27, 20206 min read
Reentry Tips for Third Culture Kid Teenagers
Third culture kids transitioning back to their passport country face many challenges. Here are a few tips for navigating reentry.
Anonymous
Jul 23, 20201 min read
Unlocked, Part 3: Questions for Discussion and Application
If you’ve experienced lockdowns, disrupted lives, and are still experiencing uncertainty, we encourage you to consider these questions.
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