E-mail We've Received

Here is a place for you to discover what other POMs have to say about their experiences, and a place for you to lend your voice as well. If you have a story or thoughts to share, please e-mail us at information@POMnet.org and we will add them to the site. Names and regions are not specified for security purposes.

This year my oldest granddaughter is spending her first year away from her parents and home in Papus New Guinea. . . . She is busy as a junior high leader at her church, is in the college group there, attends a women's Bible study, goes to college, and works at Starbucks. Families in the church have adopted her, have her over for dinner, or take her out to lunch. A car dealer makes sure her care is kept running and looks good. Another family put her on their cell phone family plan. As a grandparent who was very concerned about her loneliness and her car, I am being blessed to see how God is taking care of her. . . . God is good!—a POM mom and grandma

I just want to thank you for recognizing this need and starting this group! I am shocked by my own feelings.—a POM mom

Knowing that we will never again be able to kiss that baby’s little head or rock him to sleep, well, it’s just killing me. Sure, we will see him when he is two years old, but this is it for his babyhood. And we love our kids so much that the pain of the release is agonizing. We have always wanted our kids to be independent and we have always given them the space they needed, not being clingy or demanding. It’s just a hard day. Praying just makes me cry more. Thanks for understanding these feelings as I ramble; I needed to tell someone who understands. Are there any easier ways to get through this initial good-bye phase?
--a POM mom

We are all so blessed to have each other to talk and share with—you have all helped me more than I can express. I just know that God led me to your website that day and provided this circle of friends—for which I am most grateful.
--a POM mom

Thanks again for the important work you are doing. Another resource you might want to check out and consider linking your readers to is Barnabas.org. Barnabas International is a 22-year-old ministry of providing spiritual and emotional care for missionaries and their families. Historically, when we say “families,” we have been referring to wives and children. You have challenged us to widen the net to be more sensitive to the sending family as well.
--a POM dad

Thanks again for your efforts to make things easier for all of us POMs. We certainly need help—most of all those of us out here in the middle of nowhere who feel so alone in this. Best wishes and God’s blessing to you for all your efforts on our behalf.
--a POM mom

I just had to let you know how much you helped us with the right information! I tell everybody about NNPOM and how wonderful it is! Your website has been our lifesaver! I have told another POM about you and she wants to get with the group too. NNPOM is a real Godsend for us, and I will continue to pass it along to those who I know it will bless.
--a POM mom

For the past 15 years, my wife and I have been traveling the world to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of missionary families. We serve with Barnabus International as itinerate pastors to missionaries. As our youngest son and his young family are headed to Asia, things that had grown professional and perfunctory are now taking on the newness of being personal and passionate. We feel the need to listen to and learn from a whole new subgroup in the missionary community. Thanks for what you are doing
--a POM dad

I want to thank you for your ministry to us missionary parents, and I'll pray that it expands to reach many others. This is a very necessary ministry to all of us who sacrifice so much in order to be obedient to the Lord's call on our children. We had no idea it would be so hard. We are learning.

One tip for others might be this: our kids formed a Barnabus Team in our church as their special support group. The group of about 8 couples meets once a quarter to pray and send cards, photos, and care packages to the kids. One couple even went to be with them at Christmas last year! This was such a wonderful comfort to us as parents, and they don't ask us to do anything to keep the group going. It's just great to know that they love our kids so much. We have their prayers, but none of them has had the experience of sending their own kids away. Still it's so nice when they ask about them frequently. Maybe this tip will help other parents as you minister to them.
--a POM mom

I'm so glad I found you. I need emotional support. God bless you.--a POM mom

I didn't realize how many other POMs feel like we do--proud but aching. Bless you and your efforts to help us help our missionaries around the world for the glory of God and to spread His love.
--a POM mom

After over two years of itineration, my daughter and family arrived on the field this spring. I miss them so much and am glad, proud, and sad too! I know they are where God has called them, but I hate to think of my grandkids (2, 4 and 5 months) not really knowing their grandparents. Thank you for this resource.—a POM mom

What you said on your website really spoke to me. I have those feelings all the time and feel guilty.
--a POM mom

Our church has just begun a "Serving As Senders" group to support the many missionaries who have gone out from our church. We have several parents of those missionaries who attend.
--a POM dad

My husband and I had to move recently after many, many years in our home. We bought a house that met our needs and has an apartment for our children when they are home. It will be so great to have them with us.
--a POM mom

My son is headed for the mission field this summer, and I could use some support.
--a POM mom

I was given this website to find out about how others cope with this. I accept that they must go, but am already having a difficult time thinking about my only child and grandchildren being so far away. I was thrilled to hear about your newsletter and other means of support out there!
--a POM mom

I am excited to hear about your organization and the work you are doing. Truly, the wide range of emotions we deal with is difficult, and finding someone who understands sounds very comforting.
--a POM mom

I would love to be involved in receiving your newsletters. I put my son and daughter-in-law on the plane yesterday morning for a four-year commitment. I'm struggling with losing my best friend.
--a POM dad

For several years I've felt the call on my heart to connect with other parents because, yes, it is a mixed set of emotions. . . . I was talking to another POM mom just yesterday about the special bond we have in understanding the role we play. And the prayer that goes into our positions!
--a POM mom

What a relief to see there is an organization for parents of missionaries! Our son, who is single, has been on the field for two years now. . . . We are so honored to be his parents, but it is hard to have him far away. God has blessed us with good communication through video chatting over the internet.

Please sign us up for your newsletter. I wish I would have had that during the turmoil before he left. It was actually worse that the separation itself. We were able to visit our son a year ago, which helped us to understand better what missionaries go through.
--a POM mom

Our son and his family have been missionaries for ten years now and we have had virtually no emotional support for ourselves. Our church, whom we love, just doesn't "get" the unique needs we have, which are simply to be recognized and for them to show support for our children.
--a POM mom

Over twenty years ago, when our oldest daughter and her husband and children left for career service in Europe, my wife and I were invited to speak to the next class of candidates from that mission agency. Shortly after that we had a similar invitation from two other mission agencies. After sharing our heart about seeing our daughter and our grandchildren leave for a lifetime, we began to hear from other parents of missionaries and missionary candidates.

Our goal was to get parents talking to each other. When parents share, it takes a great burden off their children's minds.

Our kids are still in Europe. We see our daughter once a year. . . . We are VERY GLAD you are doing something more in this area.
--a POM dad

I am a retired missionary who teaches missions at a small Bible college. I would like to be put on your e-mail list to receive your newsletter because many of our students are going to the field. I think you are meeting a real need.
--a missions professor

Hi, I am signing up my father. I am sure he will enjoy getting your news. All three of his children have been missionaries and three of his grandsons have worked or are working overseas with churches. I think my dad really qualifies for this one!
--a missionary

We spent ten years as missionaries, and our oldest daughter is a missionary, so we know some of the highs and lows. Keep up the good work.
--a POM dad

I believe I've accepted their decision finally. One reason I think this is that yesterday when I heard my daughter sounding so homesick I wouldn't have wanted to hear her say they'd changed their minds and were coming home. As much as I'd love for them to be pastoring a church here near us, I really want them to have their dream and follow God's call--I wouldn't change all of this even if I could. I'm anxious for each e-mail and phone call and eagerly looking forward to visiting them. With God's help and support from good friends (including new friends from POM), I'm much better than I was just a few weeks ago.
--a POM mom