MK MINISTRY

[To make an appointment to speak with me over Zoom—whatever the reason might be—please click here and select the day/time that work best for you. If none of the suggested options are possible, you can email me at shellphoenix@gmail.com.]

I have committed my life to working with MKs (Missionaries’ Kids) and TCKs (Third Culture Kids) because this kind of ministry didn’t exist when I was growing up. I so deeply would have benefited from greater awareness of what shaped me and defined me.

Though my life was profoundly enriched by growing up MK, it took me years to make sense of the confusion and hardships, and to come to understand myself and God better. The losses, the trauma, the spiritual doubt, the self-blame…all so toxic and so unprocessed.

We must offer today’s MKs the kind of informed care that wasn’t available for past generations—so they can find healing, even as adults, freed to thrive in their unique strengths as we provide for them the understanding, help and strategies people like me never received.

“What a breath of fresh air it is to have Michèle be a part of the SHARE Family Education Conferences.  She has been an inspiration to our families, teens, and staff. She speaks from having lived through these challenges and is quickly accepted by those to whom she is ministering. She speaks their language and often there is an instant bond. Thank you, Michèle, for sharing your life and giving your life for the continuance of the Gospel message.”

Pamela Anderson ~ President ~ SHARE Education Services

MY GOAL — 

In everything I do, my goal is this: to use my platform to enlighten the world about MKs in order for parents to know better, missions to do better, and MKs to live better.

More than thirty years on the mission field and a lifetime as an MK have prepared me well to speak, write and consult on MK and TCK issues. My life’s purpose is to use the knowledge and experience I’ve accumulated to help those who, at any age, are living with the blessings and challenges of growing up third-cultured. This includes:

• Educating “multi-culturals” of all ages about the factors that have shaped them and of the differences that define them.
• Teaching and training their families, educators, caretakers, and “senders” about crucial facets of the MK/TCK identity that need to be addressed in order for us to equip them for the life ahead, allowing them to thrive in their strengths and manage their challenges.
• Enlightening sending churches and mission agencies about the impact of international childhoods on these children whose plight we often overlook as we send them overseas and welcome them “home.”

“Third-Culture Kids are one of the most powerfully influential people groups in our world today and Michèle, from personal experience, extensive study, and thousands of hours of investment, speaks with a clear voice on how to be a person of influence among them.”

Kristi Schliep ~ Personnel Director ~ Black Forest Academy

SAMPLE TOPICS —   

Speaking/consulting engagements have taken me to schools, reentry seminars, pre-field orientations, military seminars, missions conferences, MK reunions, and missionary training in the United States and Canada, as well as in Nepal, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, France, Thailand, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland and Honduras.

My presentations revolve around the themes of multi-cultural understanding and wholeness, and include dynamic speaking, real-life stories, customized videos, Powerpoint presentations, and takeaway documents (when requested).

I would be happy to tailor my presentations’ timing and content to meet your specific needs. My only request, if possible, is the reimbursement of travel expenses and lodging. (Please contact me even if your finances don’t allow for full reimbursement—this is not a deal-breaker!)

• Five Cs That Define MKs and TCKs: We’ll discuss the major factors that influence and shape a multi-cultural person’s identity. We’ll also explore the conscious and unconscious choices TCKs often make as a result of their cross-cultural background. Some of those are healthy, but others undermine their ability to reach multi-faceted wholeness. This topic can be covered in as little as 1.5 hours, but is better served over a longer time frame.
• MKs, Grief and Its Impact on Faith: The number of goodbyes MKs say will inevitably lead to grappling with grief. And then there are all the other aspects of international life that add to the weight so many of them carry! How can we help them to recognize sadness for what it is—to validate it, mitigate it where possible, and find healing for it? Perhaps the greatest danger of unprocessed grief for children raised in cross-cultural ministry is the way it can alter their view of God and the resilience of their faith. We’ll discuss at length the factors that make grief toxic, a healthier way through it, and the way we can help heal “wounded faith” in the lives of MKs.
• TCKs, Trauma and Mental Health: With recent research into the prevalence of trauma among MKs and its impact on future outcomes, we will examine Adverse Childhood Experiences and how this scientific tool can be applied to children raised in ministry. We’ll also seek clearer definitions for common mental health disorders and discuss the kinds of prevention and help that can be life-changing for MKs. (This topic would be woven into the longer version of The Five Cs That Define MKs.)
• TCKs and Relationships: Because of the nature of cross-cultural living, the frequency of their transitions and the number of losses they experience, TCKs tend to enter into relationships very differently than mono-culturals do. They also behave differently once those relationships are established. This session explores why they relate the way they do and points out the pros and cons of their relational traits. It also delves into the impact of grief on their faith and offers helpful tools for managing losses.
• Transitioning Well: We’ll walk through the stages that ensure a healthy transition. From planning ahead to resolving tensions, from saying meaningful goodbyes to creating space for emotions, from shaping expectations to entering a new context, this session will give clear guidance and explore the complexity of this daunting thing called “change.”
• Sacred Sexuality: An honest look at sexuality & what the Bible really calls us to. A strong statement about the damage caused by shame-based prevention and an affirmation of our worth and value to a God whose love for us is not broken or weakened by sexual choices and traumas.
• Plus any combination of the above or any new topics you need addressed! I’m happy to flex the content of my presentations to meet the needs of your school, mission or organization. 

Should you wish to contact me about speaking or consulting with you, please use the link at the top of this page to set up a Zoom call or email me at shellphoenix@gmail.com.