MKs in Focus: Thinking Biblically About the MK Experience

by Matthew K. Jones

Missionary kids (MKs) are a special group of people. Their lives are filled with unique challenges and opportunities as they navigate through high mobility, consistent inconsistency, and a multitude of languages, cultures, and customs. How can parents and caregivers be prepared to help these young people as they grow and set out into the world? And, more importantly, what counsel does God’s Word have for them?This book is a guide not just for missionary families, but also for pastors, church members, relatives of MKs, and anyone else involved in MK care around the globe. It bridges the gap between broader TCK literature and the enduring truth of the Bible.Get ready to learn to R.E.T.U.R.N.!Recognize the MK ExperienceEmbrace the ChallengesTrust God in GriefUnderstand Culture ConflictsReach BeyondNavigate Christian Identity"As a diplomat dependent, by the time I was 18 I had lived in 6 countries, and in all of those places my family and I were actively involved with missionary families and their work. The practicality and heartfelt wisdom in this book is applicable across sectors, and I especially found the Christian faith-elements adding comfort to my process of healing parts of my own TCK story." (Megan Norton, author of Belonging Beyond How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging)

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2023

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased but this is a great book for anyone who interacts with missionary kids and wants to help them from a biblical viewpoint.

[Kristianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd had this book last year when I was in the midst of preparing for my transition back to the States. Packed full of wisdom, insight from other TCK authors and mentors, and based on years of firsthand experience working with MKs, this book seeks to approach the MK experience through a biblical lens that ultimately brings us back to Christ and our identity in Him.

I especially appreciated the fact that this book is geared specifically toward MKs, since very few books out there are. Honestly, I felt validated, seen, and heard after reading this, especially in the sections on transitioning back to one's passport country after high school. The chaos of emotions and plunge into depression days after I arrived back in the States made sense after reading through the phases of transition and the toll it takes on our bodies, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I am so grateful to people like Mr. Jones who have made these kinds of resources available to us today so that we don't have to struggle alone. While this book is written for MK parents and caregivers, it gives incredibly helpful insight for both MKs (so they can understand why they're feeling what they're feeling) and non-TCKs (so they can understand the perspective and unique struggles of the MKs they know).

I wish everyone in my life could read this book because I think it would totally change their perspective and understanding of this highly unique and often misunderstood MK life.

Also, kudos to Mr. Jones on keeping it light-hearted with some well-placed humor! (I didn't always appreciate all the cat jokes though, lol. XD) I hardly felt like I was reading a non-fiction book and it made me chuckles several times!

[AddyF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Jones and his wife Courtney have been some of my best friends for about 25 years. In fact, when my kids were small, I looked to them both for a lot of parenting advice. I've seen Matt be an incredible dad to his kids, and this book is just a further testament to how far he'll go to understand his kids and help guide them through the ups and downs of life. Not only is Matt a great dad and a great missionary, but it turns out he's a great writer too. This book is well-organized, easy to read, and packed full of a lot of great insight and humor. If you are a missionary, know a missionary, or just want to know what it's like to be a missionary kid, you should read this book. Even if you don't have any relationships to missionary kids, this book has a lot of wisdom that transfers to other experiences dealing with transitions, feeling like an outsider, and grief. Great job, my friend. Next time I see you, I'm going to reward you with a Mt. Dew and a new pet cat.

[Sawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering Insights for Missionary Families

As a parent of missionary kids, "MKs in Focus" by Matthew K. Jones proved to be an invaluable resource. This very practical book offers insightful perspectives for both parents and missionary kids. The blend of awesome illustrations and a great sense of humor not only makes it an engaging read but also helps communicate essential concepts. As a missionary myself, I've gained valuable insights and found this book to be a must-read for anyone who has interacted with missionary kids. Great work, Ajaan P’

[Amy Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love it if my family members and supporting pastors and wives would read this to understand MK’s unique struggles, and I’d love it if more Christian colleges had scaffolding and counseling or assistance in place for MKs and TCKs. Just took my kids to the first MK camp held in Africa by Wilds Camps Abroad and the author was a speaker there so that was fun to meet him. He’s pretty funny and his humor comes out in the book.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good premise and idea, but the book is poorly written. Overall, it needs a thorough content edit and perhaps reduce page count.

[Kristen Golson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very practical and helpful book in helping our MK's in their teen and college age years.

[Beca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the perspective this book provided as well as the biblical answers to some of the issues faced