Question 7: What resources are available for debriefing if a student had a traumatic experience during an international mission project?

Answer:

A traumatic experience on the mission field can include situations such as natural disasters or personal crisis (being robbed, a car accident). If a student has experienced a traumatic situation on the international mission field, IMB personnel from the Member Care Team will provide short-term professional counseling for the student. Please contact Mark Whitworth or Sharron Hawk at 1-800-999-3113 for these services. If the need for extended professional counseling occurs, IMB personnel will refer the student to competent professionals in the city where the student lives.

Some students struggle with the realities of poverty, illness and war-torn scenarios during their international mission project. Other students experience re-entry shock upon returning to the United States. If a student struggles to cope after his or her return to the United States and you as the team leader or collegiate minister are unable to assist him or her, refer the student to a minister for pastoral care or to a professional counselor. For a list of professional counselors in your area who have experience with international missions, contact Mark Whitworth or Sharron Hawk.