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Re Entry
Not only is Re-Entry a practical and helpful book for every local church and mission agency who sends workers overseas, but it is fun to read. Peter Jordan shares many anecdotes and insights into aviation and space travel.
What happens when you return from mission work? Will you begin to compare your local church and the ordinary workday lives of its members to your exhilarating experiences in missions?
What happens when you return from mission work? Will you begin to compare your local church and the ordinary workday lives of its members to your exhilarating experiences in missions?
150 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 21, 2015
A light, quick read. Returning overseas workers, however robust, can be ambushed by a turmoil of emotions and alien attitudes. In this book there are some very practical and insightful directives but mostly it is quietly empowering - 'if you know what you want/need them don't wait for others, make it happen yourself.'
February 8, 2008
We got this book as a parting gift from our agency. 'Tis a book giving advice for former lao wai who now have to face the task of returning to live in their native culture. It's geared toward returning missionaries, though I would imagine it might be useful to other foreign sojourners as well. Judging from the book, it seems that the two big problems for returning missionaries is that a) few people have more than a cursory interest in their life overseas and b) pastors don't really appreciate having missionaries come home and start criticizing the home congregation. Mr. Jordan's advice is essentially, "get off your ego trip and think about others." Sound advice. All in all I found the book to be waiting room material. Just about everything he mentioned was something I already knew or could have figured out on my own. Of course, in all the chaos of returning home, it's probably good to have such a reminder.
January 8, 2023
Some helpful content and normalising descriptions. Somewhat dated
March 8, 2015
Required reading for all Christians!
No matter where you are in your journey of following Christ's call upon your life, you should read this book. Taking the Gospel to the world as a faithful witness is one of the primary purposes of the Church. Whether you are called to send and support or called to go, the insights contained in this short book will help you fulfill this calling.
For missionaries about to step into the field, the issues discussed here will alert you to the right questions to have in mind as you proceed into your new setting, even if you might not be able to answer them all at this point. Knowing ahead of time the potential areas in which the reality of the mission field might contrast with your life at home will help you process those differences and keep them in mind throughout your time away from your home country. You will also benefit from identifying those relationships which you should actively maintain with the people and institutions "back at home", preventing those from falling by the wayside as you get busy in your new context.
For missionaries already on the field, it is never too early to think about the changes that have already happened—to you and to your home country—and how they have affected you and your family. Being mindful of these will give you precious opportunities to avoid mistakes which might come back to haunt you down the line—and allow you to speak truth in love to your colleagues in the field who may have to leave for one reason or another.
For those who remain "at home", you will gain empathy and clarity regarding how to best receive the missionary families and individuals who are coming back to you. You will be able to adjust your expectations and communicate on a deeper level with returning missionaries. You will also learn about ways in which you can use your gifts to assist these brothers and sisters and ease their re-entry.
And of course, there is the primary audience for the book: returning missionaries themselves! This is indispensable information for your re-entry process, and will help you to make your reintegration much easier than it would otherwise be. Peter discusses what will be involved in bringing closure to your time in the field and gives you specific steps that will prepare you for your return, both before and after your trip home.
No matter where you are in your journey of following Christ's call upon your life, you should read this book. Taking the Gospel to the world as a faithful witness is one of the primary purposes of the Church. Whether you are called to send and support or called to go, the insights contained in this short book will help you fulfill this calling.
For missionaries about to step into the field, the issues discussed here will alert you to the right questions to have in mind as you proceed into your new setting, even if you might not be able to answer them all at this point. Knowing ahead of time the potential areas in which the reality of the mission field might contrast with your life at home will help you process those differences and keep them in mind throughout your time away from your home country. You will also benefit from identifying those relationships which you should actively maintain with the people and institutions "back at home", preventing those from falling by the wayside as you get busy in your new context.
For missionaries already on the field, it is never too early to think about the changes that have already happened—to you and to your home country—and how they have affected you and your family. Being mindful of these will give you precious opportunities to avoid mistakes which might come back to haunt you down the line—and allow you to speak truth in love to your colleagues in the field who may have to leave for one reason or another.
For those who remain "at home", you will gain empathy and clarity regarding how to best receive the missionary families and individuals who are coming back to you. You will be able to adjust your expectations and communicate on a deeper level with returning missionaries. You will also learn about ways in which you can use your gifts to assist these brothers and sisters and ease their re-entry.
And of course, there is the primary audience for the book: returning missionaries themselves! This is indispensable information for your re-entry process, and will help you to make your reintegration much easier than it would otherwise be. Peter discusses what will be involved in bringing closure to your time in the field and gives you specific steps that will prepare you for your return, both before and after your trip home.
September 23, 2014
This book includes a well thought out description of each season of missionary life as it closes and renters the missionary's home culture and church family. There are some great tips and ideas, as well as poignant true stories toward the end. It's not sugar coated and tactfully handles many common experiences that missionaries encounter that they'd probably not expect.
A fast read, I'd recommend a person read it as they approach heading back from the field or in considering missions and what to prepare for in the aftermath or furlough seasons.
A fast read, I'd recommend a person read it as they approach heading back from the field or in considering missions and what to prepare for in the aftermath or furlough seasons.
February 3, 2015
Not a bad book, but not overwhelmingly good, either. As a recently returned missionary, I found that so much of this book seemed aimed at those who go on short-term trips. Also, the book desperately needs to be updated -- brought into current times. There is no mention of being able to keep in touch and communicate via the Internet/Skype/FaceTime, etc.. Almost every missionary now has access to the internet, whether daily or on trips for supplies. There's some basic good info, but you need to dig for it.
May 26, 2012
This title is the first I have read on the subject of what a person does on returning from a mission experience. The points are excellent, and would be helpful for just about anyone returning from the field. I may even recommend it to the people who join me on my next Russia mission trip, and to the youth in my church who are going to Haiti this summer. This book is definitely one to read and to use in transitioning back to the States after ministering abroad.
October 11, 2010
This book was quite informative for those making cross-cultural transitions. What I did not like however was the author's use of "home" to describe missionaries tranistion from another culture to the States. For certain people, the States are only home in the sense that where one grows up is home. It is not where they live, prefer or where their heart is.
August 4, 2015
A little dated, of course, but still an invaluable (and quick) read for any missionaries (from a 2-week project participant to a long-termer) traveling between home country and assignment country. Would even be good for family members to read through to better understand this type of culture shock.
March 18, 2014
This was an excellent introduction to re-entry experiences but I was looking for more depth than this book offered. A quick and easy, sometimes even entertaining, read; this book is geared more for STMs and a tool like this should be part of every STM training and debriefing program. However, for long-term overseas workers, I wish it were more extensive.
March 4, 2015
When I moved back to the USA in 1996 after living in Russia for 3 1/2 years, this book saved my life. Saved. My. Life. I wish I'd read it before I ever left the States; not after I returned. I was very prepared to embrace a new, different culture; I was totally unprepared to re-embrace my own. Thank you, Peter Jordan. You helped me feel like I wasn't going crazy! :)
May 21, 2015
A straightforward, quick read that was way more helpful than I expected. He offers great self-evaluation questions and Biblical advice for both before and after re-entry. The perspective offered is really encouraging and validating, and at the same time I feel challenged to live out a higher calling. I'm really glad I read this before leaving the foreign field.
August 13, 2010
I truly recommend this book to anyone going abroad for any length of time, be it for missions or something else. The author, having gone through quite a few transitions in his own life, knows what he's talking about, and offers very real advice and predictions. I definitely recommend this!
August 11, 2011
Good book for missionaries who are returning to the US after short or long term trips. Somewhat dated in references and a bit cheesy sometimes , but good nuggets, and helpful pointers and questions to think through.
May 9, 2015
Some good tips, but felt that a lot of this won't apply to us. The chapter on families was a good one; too often I focus only on my own thoughts/feelings and fail to realize that our family will be simultaneously processing 5 sets of thoughts/feelings. Overwhelming for sure.
October 18, 2008
Light, interesting. Must read for short term teams and people going to the US for the first time after an extended time overseas on a mission
May 2, 2009
an easy-to-read introduction to this subject; helpful as a first step for someone returning to their home country
May 26, 2010
A great read for anyone returning from the mission field or going out on their first adventure! So many great ideas on how to process things and re-learn your own culture.
August 31, 2010
A great book on what you can expect when you return home after living away for a while.
September 4, 2011
One of the best resources I've found that discusses the reasons for and challenges facing those who are returning from living overseas in a Missions context. Great book!
February 7, 2012
Although I'm not a missionary, I got a few "nuggets" that I can apply to myself as I return back to the States.
August 22, 2013
Invaluable to someone like myself having just returned from mission! Quite dated but still some relevant stuff in there that really helped.
December 30, 2012
quite a bit of fluff of analogies with astronauts, but some great pointers and practicals to cover in the going, and returning on missions - both short and long term.
August 1, 2013
Quick read. Worth reading if you are returning from a missions experience, but mostly geared towards long-termers (6 months, a year, or more). Also a little dated.
August 31, 2013
very practical
September 8, 2015
Nice little and quick read for people coming back home. The book is contemporary to its time of publication, so it can read a little outdated sometimes.
October 5, 2016
Book is a bit outdated and also is written to a different generation. A lot of the points make sense and I've heard them presented better from other resources.
October 18, 2016
The only book written about re-entry, yet still relevant!
August 20, 2019
I recommend this book to anyone going through a transition. Whether graduating from college, starting a new job, or moving overseas, there are many important things to think about that this book brings up. I especially enjoyed the metaphor Jordan used. As I prepare to return from living overseas, the idea of me being on the journey of a rocket launching and returning from space really feels as big as I think that this transition is.
The most important reminder I had from this book is to remember where my identity is. I am a daughter of God. I am not just a missionary in Romania. I am not just a cross-cultural worker. I am not just an American. My most important citizenship is to heaven, and heaven alone. Part of what makes moving across an ocean feel big is I begin thinking I am my job, role, or domain, but forget that first and foremost I am Christ's. If you remember who's you are, then everything else will be taken care of by the Lord.
The most important reminder I had from this book is to remember where my identity is. I am a daughter of God. I am not just a missionary in Romania. I am not just a cross-cultural worker. I am not just an American. My most important citizenship is to heaven, and heaven alone. Part of what makes moving across an ocean feel big is I begin thinking I am my job, role, or domain, but forget that first and foremost I am Christ's. If you remember who's you are, then everything else will be taken care of by the Lord.
November 20, 2020
Applicable for any kind of adjustment: a 2 week mission trip, 6 weeks at Bible School, or 10 years on the mission field. Useful for anyone who relates to a returnee; helpful for anyone in a sending church. Nothing new, just timelessly and gently reminding a returning missionary to not let their head get big and to not be one of those who "tragically loses sight of the fact that you don't have to bear the burden alone." Thankful to have read this book!
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"If your experience... has matured you, it should work itself out in your life through more patience and less criticism. If that is not the case, ask yourself if you are as mature as you think you are."
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"If your experience... has matured you, it should work itself out in your life through more patience and less criticism. If that is not the case, ask yourself if you are as mature as you think you are."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews