“Cling to God more. You’ll get through it, even when it’s tough.” This was the response given to me by a missionary kid (MK) when I asked him what advice he would give to other MKs. The “tough” part of being an MK can include moving across the country to a new city, saying good-bye to bosom buddies and beloved pets, adapting to a new culture and struggling to fit in. As their parents faithfully serve God in the inner city, they, too, are learning what it means to rely on God during challenging adjustments.
In June, I was blessed to meet with eight of our missionary kids in Newark, NJ. Through our times together, I made a point to listen and hear their stories and unique journeys. I listened to the heartbreak of having to be a part of a major split in a church plant, the pain of being bullied due to the color of your skin, the joy of immersion in various cultures and the pride of helping lead worship in a church plant—all these experiences contribute to the unique identity of a third culture kid. These are kids who neither belong to the culture of their parents or the culture of the communities in which their parents minister.
When I look back at my own MK experience, I can still clearly remember what it felt like to be the only white kid in my class. I can remember attending my first quinceañera and falling in love with the Latino culture. The Lord has used my own experiences to help encourage other MKs. Through our debriefing, I was able to offer insight and words of comfort since I, too, have traveled down a similar path. I admire our World Impact missionary kids. They are some of the most caring, compassionate and culturally-sensitive youth I know. They have wisdom beyond their years and they have a sense of adventure and perseverance I hope to instill into my own young boys.
I encourage you to reach out to the MKs or PKs (pastor’s kids) in your community. One of the MKs I met with mentioned how it would have been nice to have another adult to process with (outside his family). Take a teen MK to Starbucks and asks them how things are going or get some ice cream with a younger MK and have them tell you about their neighborhood or what’s going on in school. Most importantly, let’s commit to praying not just for our own MKs but for the pastors’ kids in our church plants and partnering churches.
Tina Busenitz is a World Impact Midwest missionary serving in Wichita, KS.