MoP117 Special Church Missions Issues - 2 Missionary Retirement

The critical junction of a long-term missionary coming back off the field "permanently" to retirement years is too often neglected as a special opportunity to help and shepherd them well. The past generation of missionaries retiring over the last 20 years or so were sadly ill-prepared to face the cultural whiplash and financial burdens of living back "home." We need to ask probing questions and stand ready to minister to them with honor and respect. We should include the missionary's extended family in the conversation. The retiring missionary can be a great asset to the ministry of the church.