Dr. Rachel Heffied unpacks the significance of wellbeing and thriving in missionary life.

ABOUT DR RACHEL HEFFIELD: Dr. Rachel Heffield has been engaged with missionaries and called to international ministry most of her life. Growing up as a PK and headed to the mission field, she began studying counseling to meet people where they were at in their journeys, to bring hope of the gospel. She finds great joy, helping people navigate the highs and lows of life. She served in East Asia for eight years, where she learned firsthand with some of the challenges and joys of being a global worker. In her own life, as well as professional and academic research, she developed a passion for helping global workers thrive and grow in this important work. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Chair of the Center for Personal and Spiritual Formation at Western Seminary and provides counseling through A New Day Counseling.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: 

Articles & Books:

• 1997 - Caring for People in Missions: Just Surviving or Thriving? Optimal Care for the Long Haul by Lois Dodds, Ph. D. and Larry Dodds, M. D - Inspiration for Dr. Rachel Heffield’s doctoral dissertation
• Healthy, Resilient, and Effective in Cross Cultural Ministry by Dr. Laura Mae Gardner
• Expectations and Burnout: Women Surviving the Great Commission by Sue Eenigenburg and Robynn Bliss

Organizations providing Member Care & Tools:

• Global Trellis - Online webinars and trainings
• Velvet Ashes - Resources and community (for women)
• Valeo - Online counseling
• Thrive Worldwide Blog
• Ongoing Resilience Research
• Headington Institute - Individual and Organizational Resilience