Month: May 2026

Milk Tea, Google Translate, and Grace: Adventures in Dorm Parenting

Posted on by Emily Belvery

A conversation with Rex and Linda who served as dorm parents with MCN in Central Asia, a place where MCN is looking for retired couples to serve 3 month terms:

Why did you decide to serve as dorm parents? The dorm project had been a vision for around five years prior to it becoming a reality. The intent of the project – to help college students grow in their Christian faith and life – persuaded us to be a part of this ministry. God puts in His people’s hearts where he wants them to be. It is totally the work of the Holy Spirit. You’ll know when God calls you to go. Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples.”

What is a ‘typical’ day like as dorm parents? Your typical day begins with whatever your normal routine usually is. The student’s schedules and responsibilities vary. The goal is to treat them like the adults they are and to be kind, loving, truthful supportive imitators of Jesus. Flexibility and a good sense of humor are always in season. Introduce the students to whatever talents and gifts you love and combine them with English conversation. Your gift may be teaching English, baking, painting, any form of art, singing, playing an instrument, writing, or anything else. A pizza night with ice cream is always appreciated. 

Monday through Thursday nights, volunteer led devotions are held for half an hour with the students. An important part of the volunteer’s assignment is to offer support and encouragement to the local pastors and their wives. You can do this by spending time together, as allowed, by praying and eating together.

How did you see God at work in the dormitory? Forgiveness, mercy, and love for one another were evident. On rare occasions, when a misunderstanding arose, which is a normal thing in life, there was Christ-like conflict resolution. God works powerfully with the students through the ministries of the local pastors and their families.

One thing you loved about your host-culture: People’s warmth, hospitality, and willingness to be helpful. Drinking milk tea.

How were you able to build relationships with students across language and cultural barriers? By taking time to get to know the students’ names right away and be intentional about developing a relationship with them. There’s no short cut for this. Can anyone say English conversation, hugs, pizza, ice cream, devotions, genuine smiles, talking with your hands, food and photos? Google translate is helpful.

What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about serving as a dorm parent? Even though initially you may feel uncomfortable in this situation, you’ll discover almost immediately the kindness and love of the students & dorm supervisor for you. Your love and kindness for them will come very easily.

What is something you’ll take with you from this experience as God calls you into new adventures? Whenever you’re working and serving in other cultures, the fact that we’re all followers of Jesus unites and bonds us immediately as brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though the language may be a barrier, knowing that you’re with fellow believers will encourage you and make you feel welcome and accepted.

Mission Control

Posted on by John Mehl

“Being out of control is not something that most people embrace—apart from enjoying a few rides at the carnival. As we look at how God’s Church is engaged in His mission (His sending) we see that our desire to control is often a prominent feature of the activities that comprise church life. We want to be engaged in God’s mission, but on our terms . . .

Control usually takes the form of the church turning inward. We look to programs that can be accomplished on the property. Worship services are carefully scripted and often with strict limits to ensure a timely beginning of the next event. We like to see a return on investment (ROI) and pulling control levers that produce an outcome we can point to. This is done best on one’s home turf and for those who already know Jesus.

The church is about helping people have right relationships with God. This certainly happens in a church building, but it also needs to happen outside the walls. Church attendance cannot be the only goal . . .

This reality of the world’s reaction to Christianity should not make us yearn for the “good old days” nor to circle the wagons around our churches. This is a time for the church to get off campus and engage as never before. The world needs a Christian people that serve it. It needs the love of God in all its forms. We live in an America where only 45 percent of the population attends church monthly or more and 40 percent of millennials have ticked the “none” box. When Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). We pray for the Spirit to move us with the same compassion.

In foreign, cross-cultural ministries, Christians are forced to let go of control. This isn’t simply because one goes to a foreign country and cannot figure out how to get the normal morning latte or how to make the internet work. The feeling of not being able to manage situations is often the result of not knowing the rules and underlying values of the host culture . . .

If we want to make tight plans and pull control levers to fulfill tasks as planned, this is done best at home for those who already know Jesus. But God’s mission is more. He sends us into the awkward as we step over the church property line and engage the world on its terms. In the world we find God working His mission in amazing ways and we have the privilege of being His instruments to accomplish it.

Luther says, ‘For whatever remains of your life, live as those sent by Christ. It is the office of everyone to instruct his neighbor, etc. And this power is given not to the clergy alone (though [here it is] spoken to the apostles) but to all believers. When you have performed this highest work, seek to become Christ’s apostle, to serve all people, so that they may come unto God as you have.’

So, serve we shall . . . giving up control to be a part of God’s mission.”

Read the full article by Rev. Dr. John Mehl in the May 2021 Lutheran Mission Matters.