Honorably Wounded: Stress Among Christian Workers

by Marjory F. Foyle

As a psychiatrist, medical doctor, and former missionary, Dr. Foyle provides insights and special help for the stress and pressures of full-time Christian service.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Russell Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely practical. Every missionary should read this in preparation for overseas service. Although it is a bit dated, it does not take a lot of intellectual power to mentally update some of the concerns and suggestions for the modern era. It is not a theological volume, and for that, I am grateful. I am sure from tidbits that I would disagree with Dr. Foyle’s theology at large, so its absence is a positive. The practical value of this volume is in recognizing and dealing with stress—what causes it, how to avoid it, and most importantly, how to respond to it. It is a must-read for anyone directly or indirectly involved with missions and missionaries. Agency or board directors will benefit from reading this and sending pastors.

[Michael Hoskin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a missionary about to head into the field I found it a bit difficult to get into this book. It had helpful information and anecdotes, but not much that was unknown to me. As I was reading the 2001 edition I did find it out of date (especially regarding generational comments) and it feels like the book has too much it wants to say.

I also find it has a problem common to Christian books in that the author is reluctant to talk about bad outcomes. Like so many of us in the church, anecdotes about struggles are often told with a concluding "but God used it for good." Personally, I find that hearing about unfortunate events which happened to other missionaries has been immensely helpful to me, even if only to glean "what not to do."

This a good book, but probably best for people in missions who haven't already begun talking about these subjects.

[Tim Sandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good, helpful book. The only reason I give it 4 stars rather than 5 is that it feels a little dated in places. It was first written in 1987, and revised in 2001, so that’s perhaps not surprising. I’m no medical expert, but I doubt that the science has majorly changed since the revision 20 years ago, but a few things do make it feel dated.

As a millennial I chuckled when she (as someone born in the 1920s) wondered how we millennials would cope with some of the stressors she describes.

Perhaps a subsequent revision might be now required from someone else that factors in stress from things such as ministering in the pandemic, in a period with an explosion of social media, the various abuse scandals that have come to light recently etc etc.

In any case, if you’re involved in cross cultural Christian ministry or support those who are, get this book and read it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pragmatic, research-based, common-sensical, useful, straight forward, and comprehensive. I like Foyle's style and find the content useful and encouraging. Each chapter could be a book on its own--the topics she tackles are significant--but having them dealt with quickly and gathered together between one set of book covers makes this a great reference for people understanding the unique stressors in cross-cultural ministry. This book is a great starting place for pre-field workers and support teams who need to understand likely things to come, a great check-up and reflection tool for mid-career missionaries (like me), a great resource for those trying to articulate the effects of the manifold and serious stresses in the multicultural life.

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s some helpful, inspirational and practical advise here. It’s mainly focused on overseas service but there are points that can be applied to ‘home-country ministry’.

At several points the examples are dated or generalised (men want sex, women just want a cuddle) and ‘boarding schools’ being the most common way of educating‘missionary kids’! However, given her age it’s tolerable.

I think there needs to be an updated version recognising modern technology and social media and smart phones/apps as a resource.

As someone who’s considering overseas ministry in the future, I’ll re-read this but I’ll hopefully find more modern books on the subject.

[Amy E Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource book

Honourably Wounded is a very good, easy to read book on issues concerning cross culture/missionary wellbeing and care. While not offering many practice resources or tools, it gives insightful overview and principles on the issues. The only reason it was given 3 stars instead of 4 is that it is a little out of date. Regardless, of the datedness, I still recommend it as a great starting place and tool for both the worker and their partner organization.

[Yrag Notsew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of positive, practical information about missionary stress and how to live a more healthy lifestyle as well as how to recognize (self diagnose) as well as statistics, anecdotes etc. I liked her down to earth, personal optimism.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in the Dutch translation. Many good insights and practical suggestions. Some chapters are better than others. great final chapter. Generally outdated, both in the physical realities as well as the developments that have occurred in the area of member care.

[Susie]

Some excellent points by the author about the need for missionary care without detracting from God being our most important source of refreshment. Thankful to all of those who are supplying this care and for the missionaries who take advantage of it. Also encouraging words were included that just because you go through a difficult time and need that time of refreshing and care doesn't mean God's finished with you!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the updated and expanded version of the old, _Overcoming Missionary Stress_. My original copy of OMS was dog-eared and highlighted even before I passed it on to someone on another continent. Highly recommended for those serving overseas, and those who love them. Has given me much-needed perspective at many crucial times.

[Jeri Bidinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

If someone has not lived overseas, this could be an eye-opening read. I found it basic, and sometimes felt the treatments and/or solutions were simplistic. Foyle is a therapist, and so tends to suggest that a bit of therapy and/or a training course here or there is the solution to the most intractable problems.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The version I read was the 1987 version; I understand there is a newer version that I'd like to read. I found the book had some great insights. Other sections of the book were pretty ground-breaking in the 1980's, and I'm pleased to see what a great job our mission has done in implementing Dr. Foyle's suggestions. We don't always get member care right, but we're on the right track, anyway.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is a bit randomly organized--seems like it was a bit as she came to it, but I actually enjoyed the informal style of the writer. Lots of good practical advice for Christian cross-cultural workers.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on stresses that are specific to missionaries.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a must read for anyone engaged in full time Christian work.

One of a kind book!!