The National Network of Parents of Missionaries (NNPOM) exists to bring parents of Christian missionaries in contact with others who understand their experience. Through this website, a quarterly newsletter, printed resources, and representation at national conventions, we're here to help POMs (parents of missionaries) adjust and thrive. We also desire to help church and missions leaders who want to provide care for the parents of their missionaries. NNPOM's founders are Cheryl Savageau, Ed.D., a licensed Christian clinical counselor; and Diane Stortz, a POM for more than five years.

How NNPOM Began

In 2001, Clovernook Christian Church (now LifeSpring Christian Church) in Cincinnati, Ohio, was preparing to send two young couples to the mission field, one to Southeast Asia and the other to Eastern Europe. One spouse in each of the couples had grown up at LifeSpring and their parents were still active members there. The church also supported a third missionary couple with parents who also were part of the congregation.

LifeSpring's missions minister, Judy Johnson, was concerned about helping these parents adjust to having their children on the field, and she asked Cheryl, the director of LifeSpring's counseling ministry, for ideas about how to help.

First, Cheryl developed a monthly support meeting for POMs at LifeSpring. Another POM couple from a neighboring church also joined us. Veteran POMs, Jim and Rita were nevertheless delighted to meet with others who could understand both their joys and their heartaches.

When the support group concluded its monthly meetings, none of us wanted to stop getting together. Instead, we grew! We invited POMs from all over the greater Cincinnati area to join us 3-4 times a year for fellowship and learning. Then, we felt God calling us to help POMs in other regions of the county as well.

The NNPOM Ministry

POMs experience both joy and sadness, joy because our children are bringing Christ to those who haven't heard, and sadness because we are separated from children and grandchildren and because life changes significantly when we become POMs. Friends and the church or organization involved in sending your missionary overseas may not understand that you experience feelings of loss, sadness, and fear as well happiness and pride.

Sometimes, POMs themselves try to ignore or deny this range of emotion. NNPOM helps POMs, churches, and missions organizations understand that it's OK to have feelings and it's OK to talk about them. Being a POM is not something to "get over" or "put behind us." It's not an experience to be passively endured in isolation. Instead, being a POM can become a new and meaningful part of our identity and our life story as we learn how to acknowledge and actively define our POM role.

Resources for POMs

This site is here for you. The information and testimonials are updated regularly. NNPOM also tries to help POMs connect with others in their state or region. Diane and Cheryl are available to correspond with you by e-mail or to talk with you over the phone.

How to Contact Us

To network with others who understand or to find help for yourself, your church, or your missions organization, contact us. Our email address is information@pomnet.org.

You also may call 513-522-7707 to leave a message, or write to us at 1373 W. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231. One of us will respond to you promptly.