MARCH

M K , M I S S I O N A RY A N D T H I R D - C U LT U R E A DVO C AT E !

2014

MI CH E LE S N EWS
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The Messy Middle

In life as in ministry, I like things to unfold as expected. I like my planning to lead to effective teaching and my efforts to end in measurable success. But if theres one thing Ive learned in the past few months, its that the most transformative moments in life as in ministry seem to emerge from the Messy Middle that surprising, challenging and God-designated space where answers feel scarce and predictability is limited.! HUNGARY: Though Id carefully crafted the plenary sessions and workshops I presented at the SHARE conference, its the unscripted conversations that I found most rewarding. The heartache was palpable and the urgency of the questions sobering. Gods use of those moments for redemptive purposes was humbling.! AUSTRIA: Though my twenty years teaching at BFA equipped me for ministry in traditional MK settings, most of the students at Viennas International Christian School are the children of businessmen/women and diplomatstheyre international, independent and largely non-believing. I had to rethink my words and strategies, nding creative ways to reach resistant young people who needed the information I offered. ! Snapshots from these two engagements follow

Be shepherds of Gods ock that is under your care, watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. I Peter 5:2

TOUGH TOPICS 300 missionaries and MKs from 22 countries gathered in Hungary! A father came up to me after a meeting, tears in his eyes, and said, Im afraid my children think my ministry matters more than they do.! Hes from Poland, shes from the US, and their four children go to Uzbek schools. How can they develop a strong cultural identity?! A mother whose daughter is suffering from a recent move to a Muslim country, worried, What if Gods calling is harming her in some way?!

I N C A S E YO U MISSE D TH E SE !
Im happy to make these new MK videos available to MKcaregivers everywhere. Theyre the product of the Thanksgiving Project. To view them:! www.michelephoenix.com/ mk-tck-resources/videos/

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AN INTRO TO MKS! Know and love MKs? Watch this!

CHATS & CHALLENGES Im not going to liemy time in Vienna was challenging! ! Seniors: The 7 pm transition seminar for the senior class was a mandatory meeting none of them wanted to attend. Warned about the classs tough attitude, I had to dig deep for their trust and attention, and was thrilled to see them thaw and respond to the important information.! Chapel: Imagine trying to craft a meaningful 20-minute chapel session about Third-Culture living that will be applicable to elementary, middleschool and high-school students in a multi-cultural and multi-faith setting!! Miss Michles Red Couch: Thats where students and adults came to nd me to talk. Some brought their masks (above) to tell me about their lives and others just brought questions. I had a fascinating conversation with two Muslim young ladies about their experiences attending Christian school. Our God is the same as yours, they said. Lets explore that a little more, I answered!
MKs & GRIEF Its crippling power over MKs. MKs & TRANSITION! Reections and advice.!

Life in the messy middle: Ive never been much of a risk-taker. I tend to look each way three times before crossing a street and I change my smoke-detectors batteries more often than I should. But Im learning every day that Gods desire for me is that I learn to embrace the messy, unpredictable middle of the work to which Hes called me. Its in that space that missionary families and international students face struggles and challenges that are not easily solvable. Its also in that space that Gods hand most powerfully moves. ! The intensity of my interactions is often taxing. My powerlessness to help in complex situations is sometimes discouraging. The dismissive attitudes that inhibit change and growth can be disheartening. But the Aha! moments I get to witness, the proactive decisions and altered perspectives keep me pushing through the messy middle into the wealth of healing God holds for missionaries children. I am grateful that you share my passion for these young people and blessed by your partnership. Thank you!!

ID LOVE YOUR PRAYER SUPPORT!!

For insight, wisdom and divine guidance as I communicate with missionaries and MKs in the aftermath of my time in Hungary and Austria.! For stamina as I continue to wage ministry on many fronts!! For new opportunities to serve MKs and their families. (Do you know of any? Contact me!)! For energy and creativity as I nish more MK-related videos.! For safety in the traveling ahead.! Praise for an all-clear verdict after a recent CT scan. Hallelujah!!

SERVING WITH GLOBAL OUTREACH MISSION

Give: using Global Outreachs Donate page - www.missiongo.org/support ! or write to Global Outreach, PO Box 2010, Buffalo, NY 14231-2010! Address: 27W190 Emerson Court, Wineld, IL 60190! Email: shellphoenix@gmail.com! Phone: (331) 625 9030