Bret Taylor & Sheryl O’Bryan share about the care and support they provide for missionary kids as they return to their passport country.

ABOUT BRET TAYLOR & SHERYL O’BRYAN:

Bret Taylor is the President of Interaction International and creator of the Adaptable TCK Model. He’s spent over 25 years serving Third Culture Kids, starting as a chaplain for MKs in Kenya and later leading the Youth and Family Ministry at JAARS. He chairs the MK Caregiver’s Summit and helps lead the International TCK Conference. Bret lives in North Carolina with his wife Mindy, has visited 33 countries, and swears by In-N-Out burgers.

Sheryl O'Bryan grew up in New York (state) and always wanted to be a TCK. Her parents were uncooperative in this venture. She graduated from Wheaton College with a double major of French and History (but not necessarily French history). In 2019 she completed her M.A. in human services counseling with a focus on life coaching from Liberty University.

Sheryl began working with TCKs in 1988 at the International Christian Academy in Cote d'Ivoire; A civil war forced her to evacuate in 2002. She then moved to her sending organization's home office and served as the TCK care and education specialist until 2018. Later that year, she joined Interaction International where she serves in a variety of capacities. Her favorite moments are always when she works directly with TCKs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

• Interaction International
• Among Worlds Blog
• Transit Lounge
• TCK Connect• MuKappa

• Faith on the Move: A Devotional for MK/TCK Teens in Cross-Cultural Transition- 30 day devotional by Interaction International
• The Grief Tower: A Practical Guide to Processing Grief with Third Culture Kids by Lauren Wells
• Swirly by Sara Saunders and Matthew Pierce

Eric gives us insight into the changing world of Global Missions; the challenges and blessings that it holds.

ABOUT ERIC:

Eric was born and raised in Damascus, Oregon, and became a Christian while attending Oregon State University. After finishing his university studies, he served as a missionary in Mongolia for a year and then returned to the US to pursue a Th.M. degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. While at seminary, Eric met his wife, Pauline, who was also a student. Upon completing their seminary studies, Eric and Pauline moved to Canada where Eric completed his Ph.D., and along the way they were blessed with two daughters. In 2016, Eric and Pauline joined a missions organization and moved to South Asia to teach at a seminary and train future pastors, evangelists, and church planters. Since 2020, Eric has served as the SE Asia regional director for his missions agency, overseeing 30 missionaries in six countries.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

• Missio Nexus

• Lausanne State of the Great Commission Report

Josh & Risa Hobson share about their ministry of hospitality and missionary care located in Portugal.

ABOUT JOSH & RISA HOBSON:

Josh and Risa Hobson are missionaries with TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) who currently provide member care through Lado a Lado Ministries’ retreat center in Portugal, where they live with their family. Their mission is to walk alongside Christian workers with authenticity and compassion, providing a safe space with opportunities for rest, growth, care in community, and reconnection with God.

Josh worked as a chef for over 20 years, with the last 15 years as a culinary instructor at a cooking school. His passion for learning all sorts of different cuisines and dishes allow him to prepare a variety of food for our guests. He also has extensive experience in working with dietary needs and restrictions. Working for over 18 years in church plants, Josh also has experience leading groups and helping men with accountability. He is gifted in listening and debriefing.

Risa is a licensed professional counselor with over two decades of experience in church ministries, education, and counseling. She has specialized training in utilizing the Seeking Safety trauma recovery model, which includes support groups specifically developed for ministry workers. Risa grew up as a third culture kid and is super passionate both personally and professionally about helping workers and their families thrive in cross-cultural settings.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

• Risa Hobson Counseling

• Lado a Lado

• Harry Hoffman “How to Grow a Member Care Department”

• Seeking Safety (trauma care)

• Third Culture Kids 3rd Edition: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds - by Ruth E. Van Reken, David C. Pollock, Michael V. Pollock