MARCH

MK, MISSIONARY AND THIRD-CULTURE A D V O C A T E

2011

MI CH EL E’ S NE WS

Gaining a ministry, losing some organs.

In the two months since my last newsletter, there have been several notable events in my life. Please see Page Two for a
complete summary of the BIG ministry changes ahead for me and the sobering medical journey that has, once again,
brought me face to face with cancer.
COLORADO / CALIFORNIA: What a wonderful reprieve it was for me to be able to head to those two states to
visit supporters, former students and some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The trip came in the middle of
my medical crisis, affording me some precious time to process and pray as I reconnected with special friends. Places like
Balboa Island and Santa Barbara nourished my soul in a way I never expected. I’m so very grateful for the beauty and
peace they provided.

LOS ANGELES, CA WITH SUNMIN ON THE BEACH COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

 "I will lead the blind by a road they do not know... I will turn the darkness
before them into light, the rough places into level ground.” Isaiah 42:16

MINISTRY:
Ah, the thrill and trepidation of starting something new! With the Lord’s
unmistakable guidance and the full support of my mission and churches, I’m
QU I C K - L I N K S TO
moving to the US to expand my ministry’s scope and broaden its impact.
NE W BL O G E N TR I ES !
The sadness of leaving BFA is overwhelming at times, but I know I’ve been
strategically equipped to: Click on the link beneath each
picture to be taken to the article.
• Educate North American churches/missions about the needs of TCK
Below, one of three new entries
• Help TCKs to find multi-cultural wholeness from “The Lies MKs Believe” and
• Prepare missionary families for cross-cultural living and transition two musings on my current cancer
scare and upcoming surgery. If you
• Develop new materials to aid in all these areas know of anyone who would benefit
from these, please pass them on!
As invitations to speak and consult at various conferences come in (one from a
globally recognized organization) and as I field requests to publish my series on
“The Lies MKs Believe,” I am encouraged and inspired to press on!
As so many of you have pointed out, this is the logical next step in a lifetime
dedicated to MKs. It’s pioneering work and I know it won’t be easy, but I am so
very convinced of its importance! So... I’ll be heading to Germany in June to
pack up my things and say difficult goodbyes to my life overseas and to the
school and students that have been my joy and my passion for so many years.

L I E S : EVERYBO DY A LWAYS
L E AV E S

TEETERIN G S TRONG -
C ANCER #3?

Former student Fiona and her beautiful daughter, Olivia.

HEALTH:
In February, elevated cancer markers led to an ultrasound, then an MRI, then a
biopsy. Three possibly malignant uterine masses were found and, given my
cancer history, I’m opting for aggressive treatment. I will be having fairly major
surgery in April, followed by several weeks of recovery. Click the adjacent
link for personal reflections on this difficult news, posted just 3 days ago...  MY “STATE O F TH E
UTERUS” ADDRESS
(Scroll down for brief prayer requests!)
PLEASE PRAY:

• For a successful surgery (tentatively scheduled

for April 11th)

• For muscle-help as I pack my container in

Germany while still recovering from surgery

• For peace as I leave my life at BFA and grieve

for the losses that implies

• For a smooth, guided transition into this new

ministry

• For effectiveness as I answer invitations to

speak and seek opportunities to serve

Address: 301 E Liberty Dr., Wheaton, IL 60187 Phone: 331 625 9030
Email: shellphoenix@gmail.com Website: www.michelephoenix.com
Giving: Global Outreach Mission, PO Box 2010, Buffalo NY 14231-2010