Practical Steps to Overcoming Culture Shock and Stress on the Mission Field.

When you are first assigned to the mission field, you likely feel excited and anxious. You may be looking forward to your new journey, but at the same time, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole process.  One of the first things you will likely experience is culture shock.  Some people experience culture shock more strongly than others, and everyone deals with it differently. We will cover ways to deal with it and how to overcome it!

WHAT IS IT?

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation that people experience when exposed to a new culture different from their own. Some common symptoms of culture shock include confusion, anxiety, homesickness, boredom, and irritability. People may also have trouble communicating or understanding the local language or customs. 

WHAT ARE THE STAGES?
 
Understanding the 4 stages a typical person goes through will help you see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. AND remember, if God called you to that place in the mission field, he will get you through it!  

• Honeymoon - “Wow, this is great!”
• Frustration - “What have I done?”
• Recovery - “I think I can, I think I can.”
• Acceptance - “I love these people. I don’t want to go home!”

 
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?

​Philippians 4:6  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

This scripture encourages us to deal with worry, don’t ignore it, but pray, tell God, and thank him. We need to deal with culture shock the same way. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and take steps to adjust to the new environment. Just because you have these issues doesn’t make you a less than Christian or you are weak. Also, don’t put this off; you don’t want to hinder how God wants to use you in the mission field. Sadly, some missionaries try to ignore it or refuse to deal with it; in time, it can force them off of their assignment in the field early.

​GOD IS WITH YOU

​Joshua 1:9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

When moving to a new country or even a new city, it is essential to remember that God is with you. You will experience culture shock, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and homesick. But don’t forget that God is with you every step of the way. He knows what you are going through, and he will comfort you and guide you through this time. Lean on Him for strength, and He will not let you down. Staying connected to him through prayer, reading the Word, and worship are great ways to walk you through it. Realize that it’s not your work you are doing for him, but you are joining him in his efforts to advance his Kingdom upon the earth.
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TALK TO THOSE WHO CAN HELP YOU

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

It can be tough to know where to turn when you are feeling down. You may feel like you are alone in the mission field, and nobody understands what you are going through. This is where talking to someone can help. It’s crucial that you speak to someone that can help you put your situation in the proper perspective. This person can be a friend, family member, missionary care member at your church, your pastor, agency supervisor, or any other support system that is in place. Talking about your feelings and emotions can help you unpack the culture shock and stress you are going through.

FORCE YOURSELF TO BE ACTIVE AND SERVE THOSE GOD SENT YOU TO

Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”

​The worse thing you can do is seclude yourself from society and the community God called you to serve. But what are the reasons why this is bad? Well, for one, it can lead to loneliness and isolation. When you are alone for too long, it’s easy to start thinking negatively about yourself and your life. You can also start feeling like you are not good enough, you don’t have anything to offer or question whether you made the right decision to become a missionary. This can lead to depression and a lack of motivation. Additionally, secluding ourselves from others can keep us from growing spiritually and emotionally.
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The key is to focus on others by sowing your heart and life into them. Then you will see God beautifully using you, touching lives for his Kingdom. Suddenly, it’s not about you but those he sent you to serve!

​JOURNALING UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY

Psalm 91:1-2 Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him only me and God.

Journaling is a powerful tool that I use to communicate with God. While I am doing it, I am hiding in his shadow. It is especially conducive when I struggle to find the words to express what I’m feeling. Writing helps me organize my thoughts and figure out what I need to pray about in my life. It also allows me to reflect on the Lord and how he wants to use me in the mission field. I can’t tell you how many times I have resorted to journaling; the freedom has come from it. I feel such a connection with him; praise and joy bubble within me!
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TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

The devil is continuously looking for ways to find a weakness in our lives. We can try to secure all spiritual areas, but if we are not taking care of ourselves, we can open a door for him to rob us of what God wants for us. Self-care is vital for our overall well-being. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can become stressed and overwhelmed. The last thing you want to do is not take care of yourself. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself:

• Make time for yourself. Dedicate time each day to relax and do something you enjoy. This can be as simple as reading a book, spending time with friends, or have a hobby.
• Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods helps keep our bodies healthy and energized. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
• Get enough sleep. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies to rest and recharge, which helps us stay healthy and focused throughout the day.
• Exercise. The best way to keep your body healthy and energized is by getting enough physical activity. Whether you enjoy running, aerobics, walking, or other forms of exercise, make sure to do something every day that gets your heart pumping and your muscles working. 

​MAKE FRIENDS WITHIN THE NEW CULTURE

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” 

Making Christian friends within a new culture can help you overcome culture shock and stress. When you first move to the mission field, you can be nervous and not know how to speak the language very well. However, getting to know the people within the community and developing friendships can make you feel more comfortable in the new surroundings. These friends help you learn about the culture and customs, which reduces culture shock. Additionally, having friends to rely on can make the transition process much less stressful. If you’re struggling with culture shock or stress, try reaching out to people within your new cultural circle; it could make all the difference.
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ATTEND A LOCAL CHURCH

Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."

Church services are a time when we can come together and worship God. It is a time to connect with Him and our fellow believers. We can learn more about Him and His Word. Church services are also a time of fellowship, where we can get to know other believers better. If you are still learning the language, have a translator help you understand the service or try finding a local English service. I would say the last resort is to watch online. I believe there is a vast difference between online and being physically within the service.
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IN A NUTSHELL

Philippians 4:13 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Culture shock can be tough to deal with, but remember, you are not alone. God didn’t send you to the mission field to fail. On the contrary, he wants you to be victorious and succeed in the plans and purposes he has for you. As the Word of God says, you can do all things THROUGH Christ, who gives you strength.

Make a meaningful effort to apply some of the practical steps above. Stay close to the Lord and be open to those around you, whether local within your mission organization, those from the culture you are serving in, or back home, via video chat about your steps in overcoming culture shock. God has placed people in your life such as a time like this. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Stay positive, and remember that the experience is temporary.
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Don’t forget, Stage 4, (Acceptance) - “I love these people. I don’t want to go home!”

Shawn Paul
Mission Director
MorningStar Missions
502-509-3607 USA#
[email protected]
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​MISSIONS ON YOUR HEART?

If you are a ministry, minister, or person of God that wants to dive deeper into missions but don't know how that looks for you, feel free to contact me. I would love to explore your heart and see where God leads you. I can share with you all the avenues that I am aware of in the hopes of connecting and plugging you into the right place that God has for you in the world of missions. Reaching lives for Jesus Christ in the international fields requires thoughtful planning. There is a mission pipeline sort of speak that needs to be built out specifically for you. I can help you do that.

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