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.
