I once walked through a large hall at a missions convention, talking with convention goers waiting to hear a speaker. “Do you know any parents of missionaries?” I asked. “We want to invite them to a special event tomorrow.”

Most people looked at me funny. “Parents of missionaries? I don’t think so.”

But then one woman said, “Yes, me!” and her eyes filled with tears.

On this Mother’s Day weekend, I want to tell you about some of the bravest moms I know.

Grandmum Denise with granddaughter Avery during a Christmas visit

They make huge sacrifices, but they never make the news.

Their children often get attention, but they themselves are usually overlooked.

Their families won’t be getting together for Mother’s Day–except maybe by phone or Skype, if time zones and a good Internet connection coincide.

They are moms of missionaries–moms whose children serve God cross-culturally in far-off places around the world. Moms whose grandchildren grow up in those faraway places and get to visit grandma’s house only every couple of years.

These moms often grieve, but not for lack of faith. No, their faith is strong! They grieve the separations, the distances, the dangers.

But then they persevere, put their confidence in God, and build and keep continent-spanning connections. They learn about different cultures. They support and encourage their families on the field. If they can travel and have the means, they visit.

With Grandpa Phil and Larson on his 3rd birthday at a train museum in Nairobi

They pray.

They connect with one another too–and there are more ways to do this than there used to be.* Finding others who understand their experience helps them learn to thrive as the POMs (parents of missionaries) God has called them to be.

So to the brave POM moms I know–Denise, Cindi, Karen, Donna, Mona, Bev, Nancy, and so many more–may you have a happy Mother’s Day, knowing you are not alone and standing confidently and firmly in the love of our God, who holds you and your children and grandchildren in the palm of his hand and works all things for our good.

*If you are a POM or know someone who is, you might want to explore these resources:

The National Network of Parents of Missionaries, www.pomnet.org. Encouraging posts plus an email loop for sharing concerns and praises.

The Facebook page Parents of Missionaries (just search Facebook to find the page). Look there for information about a POM retreat coming up in June!

Parents of Missionaries: How to Thrive and Stay Connected When Your Children and Grandchildren Serve Cross-Culturally (IVP). This book covers the need to recognize and deal with grief, how to prepare for send-off and successful furloughs, and how to stay connected–all told with true stories from POMs and missionaries.

DIANE