Many missionaries return from the field feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Debriefing is an intentional process of unpacking and processing a missionary’s field experiences. It provides a safe space for the missionary to tell their story (past experiences and recent events) and reconnect with their inner self.
Purpose of Debriefing: To empower and renew a returnee holistically so that they can transition well into the next phase of life.
Through our debriefing process, we hope to:
1. REFRESH - Together with a debriefer, returnees can unpack pent-up emotions and process inner feelings (grief, pain, etc) as well as outside struggles. Afterwards, returnees will be guided to remember the grace of God, give thanks for their experiences in the mission field and re-discover their God-given strengths for their re-entry transition.
2. REALIGN - With guidance of a debriefer, returnees will process their current reality (needs, expectations, relationships, etc) and discover the adjustments needed to realign to the home country.
Debriefing for Transition
We felt we have not being understood and we are facing there are lots of uncertainty.
We were not so sure how to move forward through the various transitions.
John and Song are experienced coaches and they were able to identify with our struggles, clarify our thoughts and emotions, and help us to move forward. Their debriefing help us realise that gaining clarity is a process, and we’ll never be absolutely clear. So we have gained some clarity and some ideas on moving forward. I had some closure as I look at the timeline over the past few years. We are taking some steps to move forward.
- Alvin (Returning Missionary)
John and Song supported us well with our reflections and debrief. The sharing of their struggles, challenges, lessons learnt, and advices were very valuable, and I found it easy to connect and ask questions. The reflection process that they guided us through was comfortable and flexible. They were good active listeners and had a way to help map out what we shared and identify key issues.
The coaching sessions has a general guideline and goals to achieve for each session. The sabbatical coaching experience has allowed me to learn more about the reality of the ups and downs of missions, reminded me of the key biblical aspects of missions and the importance of serving as a family (wife and kids too), and that ultimately we give our best to God and to also trust Him to bring all (work, people and my own life) work into His perfect completion.
- Gerry (Missionary on Furlough)
John and Song are professional and clear in setting out the objectives of the engagements and progress plans for each session. Through sensitive coaching and insightful questions, they have guided the missionary couple to reflect on the ups and downs of their journey in the field; discovering God's hand in the situations and putting them in a positive frame of mind to re-engage in the next phase of ministry. They returned to the field feeling encouraged and serve in the same place with the same colleagues but with different perspectives.
- Canon Yee (Missionary Sponsor)