It might come as a surprise to know that member care is something fairly new to some global workers. Not that the need is new—global workers have always required holistic, compassionate care. Rather, what’s new is that more sending agencies, churches, supporters, and even global workers themselves are recognizing that need. 

The ninety-four global women gathered here this week represent 1,090 collective years of service in overseas ministry. They currently serve in twenty-seven countries, sent by fifty-two agencies. That’s a lot of service as the hands and feet of Jesus. 

But those hands and feet need care, just as Jesus’s did, to be able to continue serving. Unfortunately, historically, for global workers, there has been a tendency to think of them as somehow stronger than the ordinary person, less in need of such care. 

But, as one attendee pointed out, “That assumes we are not a part of the body [of Christ], that we don’t need the body—and that is just wrong thinking.”

These kinds of expectations have often resulted in workers ignoring legitimate physical, spiritual, and psychological needs for themselves and their families, depleting themselves to the point of emptiness. “We’re so busy pouring out,” one said, “that we don’t take time to refill.”

Thankfully, that’s changing. And Thrive is a large part of that change. 

When it comes to effective member care, one woman said, “I’d like to see more people asking, where is it you get your refueling?” For some, that means quiet time, for others, meaningful connection and time with people. Thrive aims to offer holistic replenishment across this spectrum and beyond, with nurturing for body, mind, and spirit.  

The important thing, these women say, is to establish relationships and pathways for care before they hit empty. 

Toward that end, Thrive is here to help.