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Support Systems

​The 7 S’s of Missionary Care provides a look at seven support systems every missionary should have in place and we try to apply here in our YWAM Sendai communtiy in order to be a healthy, caring, and strong community as we reach the Japanese long-term.

1 Saviour Care​

  • Primary care given by God to each individual
  • Personal / relevant / contextual / depth of the soul
  • Christian doctrines made practical
  • Vibrant daily walk with Jesus
  • Knowing God so intimately that making him known is the natural outcome

2 Self Care​

  • Physical - health, safety, rest
  • Spiritual - handling temptations, hearing God's voice
  • Emotional - developing right attitudes & godly responses
  • Financial - do your part
  • Social - relationships, fun
  • Mental Development - set goals!

3 Staff Care​

  • Mutual care
  • Team care
  • Caring for one another - finds its foundation in the biblical "one-another" commands
  • Observe others needs
  • Care for one another
  • Take time for one another

4 Shepherd Care​

  • Care by leaders
  • Primary Biblical images of leadership: Shepherd, servant & steward
  • Biblical Shepherd Roles
  • Eight A's of Shepherd Care

5 Structure Care​

  • Formalised Care
  • Community Care
  • Team Building
  • Practical Structures
  • Appraisals
  • Financial Guidance
  • Skills training and teachings

6 Sender-Support Care​

  • Care by family, friends, and churches
  • Those outside of YWAM that help support missionaries personally
  • Outside supporters that provide; finances, encouragement, prayer, rest, etc.
  • Communication

7 Specialist Care​

  • Specialised care for special needs
  • Pastoral / spiritual
  • Physical / medical
  • Training / career / coaching
  • Team building / interpersonal
  • Family / missionary kids (MKs)
  • Financial / logistical
  • Networking relationships
  • Establishing a network of relationship