When missionaries are on furlough, they enjoy being with their families and visiting churches. But when they say, “We’re going home,” they are referring to their mission fields back in their countries of service.
During a conversation with a missionary couple on furlough in the States, I apologized for “bugging” them with my questions about what was going on in their field. Not surprisingly, they said, “No, that’s okay. We love to talk about the people we serve and what’s going on there.” But what they said next was a shock — “Our families never bring up the subject the entire time we’re on furlough.” Much of that is understandable, given that family members are eager to spend time with the missionaries themselves and with grandchildren they have only seen on video.
But imagine a missionary coming off the field for the last time and not being able to talk about what happened there, what the challenges were or what kinds of feelings they have about leaving. For the fifth year in a row, BMA Global has honored our legacy missionaries at the national meeting, one deceased and one living per year. They are the ones on whose shoulders we stand. It’s a chance to be reminded of their service and sacrifice, but what if we went a step further?
Missionary Care Director Jonathan Montgomery has been planning the Gleaners initiative that focuses on our former missionaries. It is an alumni association of sorts that not only honors them but also helps them stay in touch with each other. Jonathan said, “We want our legacy missionaries to know we still care about them and their service, plus their continued importance to our association as a whole. There is so much more they have to give, so much wisdom they can impart to us.”
Soon, you will learn more about Gleaners and what that means as Jonathan and the Missionary Care team formalize this exciting initiative. In the meantime, pray for wisdom and discernment for those who will be part of the planning and implementation.
(If you know a legacy missionary, thank them for their service and sacrifice, then ask about their former mission field. Their story will bless you, and your care and concern will bless them.)
