Partner Update, December 2009Nurturing The Next Generation
Dr. Michael Loftis, ABWE President
One of the first questions raised by many new missionary families is, “Does moving overseas mean we must sacrifice our children’s education?” ABWE places a high priority on building strong families and works diligently to resource our global staff with encouragement, equipment, and practical assistance.
When God calls a family to serve as overseas missionaries, we fully realize that He is not just calling Mom and Dad but the children as well—those precious missionary kids. As each new family pulls up roots and packs suitcases for the move to a foreign country, they leave behind a support system of friends, churches, and familiar surroundings.
Among the many decisions those families must make are the choices regarding the children’s education. Some will select to homeschool or bring along a tutor. Others find that a local/national school setting works best. Still others decide to place their kids in an international school established primarily for expatriate families—usually referred to as “MK schools.”
ABWE has founded or partnered with other organizations to build MK schools in several different countries through the years; for example, Philippines, Brazil, Chile, Bangladesh, Portugal, and Hungary. We have heard repeatedly from parents and students that they would not have been able to stay on the field without the provision of the MK school.
On a recent trip to Hungary, we were given a tour of the International Christian School of Budapest, now in its 15th year of serving missionary families. One particularly unique feature of ICSB is its Department of Supplemental Services, offering help to children with special needs. This department includes a staff of five or six therapists who work with children in class or individually, helping them to overcome challenges of a full range of learning or developmental disabilities. Even beyond the missionary community, families of business people or diplomats have enrolled their children at ICSB just because of this vital program—bringing additional outreach opportunities while serving missions workers.
Kevin and Joy Phillips followed God’s call to serve in Budapest just over a year ago. The younger of their two daughters was born with Down Syndrome. Without the help provided by Supplemental Services at ICSB, they would not be able to minister as part of the ABWE-Hungary team.
Would you please be in prayer for our MK schools and for the vitally important ministries such as ICSB’s Supplemental Services which are being used to support missionary families and proclaim the love of Jesus even in unexpected and creative opportunities?
Partner Update is a monthly letter written to supporting individuals and churches. Each issue highlights a project that is making a significant difference in the world for the glory of God.
