When Thrive was started nearly 3 decades ago, member care for cross-cultural workers was not a mainstream idea. Good news: that has changed!

There is more research on member care, agencies have extensive member care departments, and other organizations are doing things similar to Thrive.

With this progress, I’m left with questions like: Does what we do still matter? Is it still needed?

It’s a question I’ve been asking several attendees this week, as we’ve lingered over long lunches and dinners. Why Thrive? What makes us different, in their eyes?

And here’s what I want to tell you: spaces of belonging and vulnerability really matter right now.

Oddly enough, we have several workers who lead member care initiatives with us this week. They are the ones hosting retreats for their people, leading trainings on resolving conflict, and are up close to the needs of workers. I’m so glad they’re here! I’ve asked them this question, too. And even they would say, "We have our role, but even if we really believe we are doing member care well, we are thrilled to be able to share a resource like Thrive."

Here’s what I’m hearing:

- There is something special about bringing workers together who aren’t on your team, aren’t part of your organization, and may not even be from the same part of the world.

- Most cross-cultural workers do not feel like they have spaces to be fully honest and process the hard things that they are experiencing without fear of repercussions.

- The generosity of Thrive is beyond. To be able to access Thrive's Alongside at no cost is incredible. To attend a retreat in a picturesque mountain town in Italy for a nominal registration fee feels like a luxury.

And more than anything, what we hear is: Thank you. We see God move mountains in these short sprints. I have heard over and over again that a Thrive retreat changes the trajectory of a person’s ministry, life, or both. They take the step to come, and they enter holy ground.

It’s such a privilege and joy to watch God work in such deep, personal ways! And to think about whole families, communities, and countries that will be impacted by 20 hearts that will leave on Saturday just a little more healed, restored, and energized for their calling.