Description:

For many years, the mindset of missions has been for leaders to be “hands-off” regarding the education of the children of workers. The reality is that families without any type of educational preparation or support experience more difficult transitions and higher levels of stress. This can significantly impact the productivity of sending organizations and the health and longevity of families on the field. There are more resources available than ever before for ensuring that families can thrive on the field and healthily engage in ministry work without the stress of educational problems and crises. In this webinar, a framework will be presented for supporting the educational needs of families and keeping them on the field. Concrete options will be offered for how to begin or improve organizational education support.

Presenters:

Nancy Elwood, M.S., MK Education International Coordinator, Greater Europe Mission | Nancy Elwood and her husband, Mike, served with Greater Europe Mission for 40 years in eastern Europe. Nancy helped found SHARE Education Services to provide education support to families as they live and serve cross-culturally. SHARE partners with agencies to care for their families through conferences and individual consulting to address academic concerns and needs. Nancy also works with PACE (Professional Association of Cross-cultural Consultants in Education) to train education consultants throughout the globe. She and Mike have two TCK sons, one TCK daughter-in-law and two sweet grandchildren.

Dr. Wes Willis, President Emeritus, SHARE Education Services | Wes Willis, SHARE Education Services President Emeritus, lives in Birmingham, AL and assisted by his wife Elaine, maintains the US Office of SHARE. Prior to serving as President Emeritus, Wes served as SHARE president for 14 years. Wes earned a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and his doctorate in Education Administration from Indiana University. Wes began serving with SHARE when he was Superintendent at Lenawee Christian School. Prior to that he was President of Northwestern College and Radio Network in St. Paul Minnesota. He also has served as professor and/or academic dean at three colleges and was an executive in Christian publishing. Wes has authored 13 books, including a series of nine books of inductive Bible study co-authored with his wife Elaine. Wes and Elaine are the parents of three adult sons, and six grandchildren.

Dr. Melissa Shipman, Executive Director, Professional Association of Cross-cultural Consultants in Education | Dr. Melissa Shipman serves as the Executive Director of PACE, a professional association that trains and equips TCK education personnel. Melissa is also the co-founder and Principal of Learnwell Collective, which offers homeschool support and community to families all over the world. She served overseas first as a teacher and later as a TCK education consultant with SHARE Education Services. Melissa lives with her husband and daughters north of Atlanta, Georgia.

Dwight Poggemiller, Training & Development, Greater Europe Mission | Dwight Poggemiller serves with his wife, Melissa, and their four children, Luke, David, Lydia, & Annalis with Greater Europe Mission (GEM) in Timisoara, Romania. Through over twenty years of ministry, the Lord has given them the joy of raising their family in southeast Europe while pursuing theological education, mission mobilization, and the multiplication of followers of Jesus. Dwight currently leads GEM’s Training & Development team, investing in new missionaries and national partners.

Watch Here: