MKs—A Worthwhile Investment

By Marilyn Mertz

Can you imagine how many fears rise up in the hearts of parents when they think of taking their children overseas? Our Canadian and USA MK (Missionary Kids) Departments pay attention to their concerns and are intentional about giving children of all ages a positive experience as they enter the nomadic lifestyle of missions. WEC requires that parents come and learn about cross-cultural ministry, but important as this training is, investing in their children is also a priority. As these children begin to think more deeply about their new countries, they often express fears about the foods, languages or climates they’ll experience. We don’t leave them there. We help them find the answers to their questions and prepare for the many transitions that will make up their lives.

While families are at the headquarters they interface with the home-base community. Even the youngest are loved and drawn in through nursery care, communal meals and just plain fun. School occupies many hours for older kids, but time is still carved out to prepare new MKs for their upcoming experiences. We help them face challenges, practice peacemaking skills and gain appreciation for things that are different. The children learn about God’s character and how they can trust Him to hold them close to His heart. This knowledge helps them feel secure in spite of the many upheavals and goodbyes they will experience.

Once children from the States are overseas, contact continues through emails, notes and small gifts sent with people who travel. Teenagers are kept in touch with life back “home” and with each other through a regular newsletter called “We Connect.” College students also receive a newsletter geared to their interests. Canadian MKs are sent birthday, Christmas and graduation cards, and small gifts to reassure them that they are remembered.

When our MKs return from their adopted countries, an informal debriefing takes place. This practice varies with age but aims to give these young nomads a chance to talk about and validate their experiences even if others from a mono-cultural background are not interested in where they have been and what they have done.

Why do we concentrate on the kids in this way? Let Scott Sutton, who grew up in Chad and now is a young adult, give you a glimpse of the potential of MKs.

It seems as if we were dragged around the world, forced to eat weird things and taught countless ways of saying "Sorry, I don't speak the language." However, the silver lining in this potentially dark cloud is the fact that our experiences—whether we wanted them or not—make us different. Our global nomad life renders both an advantage and a responsibility.

It's an advantage because MKs grow up to be globally-minded adults in an increasingly global economy. We are cultural connoisseurs at a time when information is power, creative when ideas are scarce and patient in a fast-food nation. We can quickly adapt in a society that demands flexibility. In essence, MKs are often the best equipped young men and women to deal with the complexities of our world today.

It's a responsibility because our world is more connected than ever before—and yet still dangerously divided. A serious lack of understanding of other cultures leads to apathy in the face of genocide, hatred based on stereotypes and dangerous decisions motivated only by profit. MKs are often the people best prepared to publicly bridge the gap between cultures and provide real insight and leadership on current events.

There's no doubt that being an MK challenges a child at his or her core, but with adequate care and guidance, the shy child sitting in the back of an African church can be transformed into a valuable citizen in our new global society. Our differences are our strengths and our backgrounds are our assets. The unique ups and downs of the missionary life provide more than memories—they provide a foundation for success.

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