Each summer, the International Society of Missionary Kids (ISMK) has the privilege of training MKs that are headed to the mission field for the first time. In 2009 we prepared over 100 MKs for the adventure to which God was calling their families. We spent two weeks running cultural simulations and hands-on adjustment exercises. Our older MKs even spent a week in a wilderness-style survival camp, learning how to endure difficult situations. Our goal is to enable MKs to stay strong in their walk with the Lord as they face challenges and adventures on the mission field.
Immediately following Missionary Training, we host a renewal and reentry program for MKs returning to the states. We enjoy hearing stories of the joys and challenges they have faced on the mission field. Each summer proves to be a time of healing and refreshing in God’s presence for our MKs. The goal of these times together is to help MKs stay healthy and strong physically, mentally, and spiritually, so their families can effectively live out the call God has placed on their lives.
In July 2009, ISMK headed to Italy for our annual MK missions trip. Our passion at ISMK is to enable MKs to fully experience missions. Many MKs live most of their lives on the same field and it becomes home for them. When MKs are given the opportunity to minister in another country, they gain a whole new perspective on missions. By engaging MKs in missions, we increase the overall effectiveness of the entire missionary work force. After attending an MK missions trip, MKs often express a desire to pursue career missions as adults.
This year we hosted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in Padova, Italy. Our team of MKs ministered to a group of international children from 5 to 17 years old. Most of the children were immigrants from Africa and Eastern Europe, approximately half of whom were un-churched. It was a great trip. We received feedback from team members that working outside their home country gave them a deeper burden for ministry and greater confidence to reach the lost.
Cairo 2014
Monday, March 1, 2010
What about the Finances?
Chad and Dargan are General Appointed Missionaries with Assemblies of God World Missions. They have been self-funded since 1994. While they base in the United States, they do not receive any compensation or support from Assemblies of God World Missions, or the missionaries they serve. If you have questions about the MK program, please ask any missionary about the value of this ministry for their children.
Some people have asked if the missionaries support the MK program. Included in every missionary’s budget is 5% for administrative costs. AGWM uses some of those funds to assist the programs of ISMK. However, those funds do not cover the costs of a missionary to run the program. Without the consistent financial support of donors, Chad and Dargan would not be able to provide leadership for this valuable ministry to the missionary family. By raising their own budget, Chad and Dargan help keep the overall budget of the missionaries and AGWM lower than it would otherwise be. Missionaries are therefore able to raise their support quicker and stay on the field longer.
When Chad and Dargan returned from Europe, they assumed the leadership of ISMK within four months. Once they assumed leadership, they were no longer able to itinerate to raise a complete budget. They have been below their needed budget since 2004. Currently, they lack $2,000 in monthly support.
Would you and/or your church consider supporting the Phillips family? By doing so, you will be multiplying your missions investment in families around the world!
Some people have asked if the missionaries support the MK program. Included in every missionary’s budget is 5% for administrative costs. AGWM uses some of those funds to assist the programs of ISMK. However, those funds do not cover the costs of a missionary to run the program. Without the consistent financial support of donors, Chad and Dargan would not be able to provide leadership for this valuable ministry to the missionary family. By raising their own budget, Chad and Dargan help keep the overall budget of the missionaries and AGWM lower than it would otherwise be. Missionaries are therefore able to raise their support quicker and stay on the field longer.
When Chad and Dargan returned from Europe, they assumed the leadership of ISMK within four months. Once they assumed leadership, they were no longer able to itinerate to raise a complete budget. They have been below their needed budget since 2004. Currently, they lack $2,000 in monthly support.
Would you and/or your church consider supporting the Phillips family? By doing so, you will be multiplying your missions investment in families around the world!
What is ISMK?
EQUIP, ENGAGE, ENABLE
You have seen missionaries come through your church. You know that many have children, and you have probably heard stories about MKs at some point. But, have you ever considered the challenge of raising your children in the remotest parts of the world? ISMK, the International Society of Missionary Kids, is the ministry that comes alongside the missionaries to equip the family, engage the children, and enable the parents for the challenge of world evangelization.
Missionary Kids (MKs) are an important part of the world missions program of the Assemblies of God. The MK program includes approximately 1,450 missionary kids from birth through age 22. All are or will face major adjustments as they leave behind the familiar to go to the unfamiliar. We have found that MKs handle these adjustments better if we offer them a sense of meaning and purpose regarding their role in the missionary family.
First, ISMK EQUIPS MKs as missionaries called to reach their own generation. We assist with cultural training, education, retreats, discipleship, and life transitions. Missionary families are more effective if the children are equipped educationally, emotionally, and spiritually to handle the challenges they will face.
Second, ISMK ENGAGES MKs completely in missions. They are an important part of the missionary family of Assemblies of God World Missions. MKs are engaged in discipleship and in missions. MKs handle adjustments better if we offer them a sense of meaning and purpose regarding their role in the missionary family, understanding that God calls the entire family not just the head of the household.
Third, ISMK ENABLES parents to fulfill their missions calling by providing support in an area where a missionary family is often vulnerable. When an MK struggles with educational, cultural, and spiritual adjustments, the parents’ energies are divided between ministry and the well-being of their family. We provide discipleship and resources specifically designed for MKs to help them through transitions. By helping MKs establish an identity rooted in Christ, we not only free parents to do their ministry effectively but also multiply their efforts by encouraging MKs to share in their family’s vision for missions.
You have seen missionaries come through your church. You know that many have children, and you have probably heard stories about MKs at some point. But, have you ever considered the challenge of raising your children in the remotest parts of the world? ISMK, the International Society of Missionary Kids, is the ministry that comes alongside the missionaries to equip the family, engage the children, and enable the parents for the challenge of world evangelization.
Missionary Kids (MKs) are an important part of the world missions program of the Assemblies of God. The MK program includes approximately 1,450 missionary kids from birth through age 22. All are or will face major adjustments as they leave behind the familiar to go to the unfamiliar. We have found that MKs handle these adjustments better if we offer them a sense of meaning and purpose regarding their role in the missionary family.
First, ISMK EQUIPS MKs as missionaries called to reach their own generation. We assist with cultural training, education, retreats, discipleship, and life transitions. Missionary families are more effective if the children are equipped educationally, emotionally, and spiritually to handle the challenges they will face.
Second, ISMK ENGAGES MKs completely in missions. They are an important part of the missionary family of Assemblies of God World Missions. MKs are engaged in discipleship and in missions. MKs handle adjustments better if we offer them a sense of meaning and purpose regarding their role in the missionary family, understanding that God calls the entire family not just the head of the household.
Third, ISMK ENABLES parents to fulfill their missions calling by providing support in an area where a missionary family is often vulnerable. When an MK struggles with educational, cultural, and spiritual adjustments, the parents’ energies are divided between ministry and the well-being of their family. We provide discipleship and resources specifically designed for MKs to help them through transitions. By helping MKs establish an identity rooted in Christ, we not only free parents to do their ministry effectively but also multiply their efforts by encouraging MKs to share in their family’s vision for missions.
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