Depression Among International Missionaries - 4937 Words

Running Head: DEPRESSION AMONG MISSIONARIES Depression Among International Missionaries Jonathan E. Sullivan Liberty University Abstract Missionaries have a unique calling accompanied by unique challenges over the course of their service. As these individuals and families face these challenges, depression can be an enemy that hinders and even stops the good work they perform. While most of the time a professional counselor can be seen in the United States to help with depression, a therapist may not be so readily available in remote parts of the world. This paper looks at the factors that may lead to depression for those on the mission field and some preventative measures that may be taken to avoid major depression. The well being†¦show more content†¦Still, Carey pressed on recognizing that â€Å"a price must be paid for their success†. However, the reality is that for the missionary today on the foreign field, when persecution, loneliness, despair, frustration, and temptation manifest themselves it can take its toll physically and psychologically. In Luke 14:28, the Lord instructs in the biblical tex t to count the cost of an endeavor before you undertake it. This not only should be done financially, but emotionally, physically, and psychologically as well. It is recognized that wherever God calls He will give that individual and family what they need holistically to accomplish the task at hand. At the same time, a call to serve is a call to prepare oneself for service and it should be recognized that there are always consequences to our decisions. This preparation time includes not only a seminary education and experience in ministry, but psychological stability is paramount for these missionaries. Many sending agencies have a thorough psychological screening process in place and some do not. Hall amp; Sweatman (2002) recognize that psychological assessment is only one piece of a larger assessment strategy for the missionary candidate. Along with the psychological issues to be tested are the assessment of doctrinal unity with the sending agency, a unity in the vision of the mis sion work, and proven leadership just to name a few areas. This same research by Hall amp; Sweatman (2002) also understood that theShow MoreRelated03.01 Isolationism, Intervention, and Imperialism: Assignment1371 Words   |  6 Pagesstating the United States would intervene in Latin America on behalf of foreign powers if Latin American nations did not meet their agreements Dollar diplomacy: foreign policy under William Howard Taft that used U.S. economic power to try to shape international affairs Natural resources: materials such as oil, natural gas, lumber, gold, copper, waterways, and fertile soil that are native to a given place and can be used for economic benefits Markets: places where manufactured goods can be bought andRead MoreNew Zealand : A New Way Of Life For The Maori People1211 Words   |  5 PagesEuropeans to continue further voyages to the beautiful island. Upon the Europeans reoccurring travels, they introduced New Zealand to the potato and firearms depicting a new way of life for the Maori people. 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