Leaving Early

Having to leave before you planned?

People find themselves needing to leave their ministry in Africa earlier than planned for a whole host of different reasons, the most common of which include children’s education needs, caring for parents, visa issues, evacuations and health. But whatever the reason, premature departure can be distressing. You may have little time to prepare for your departure, but the more you can do to finish and leave well, the more helpful you will find it as you re-enter ‘home’ or your next phase of ministry.  

No matter how sudden your departure, the resources listed under the Leaving page could be very helpful, even if you have less time to think through each piece.

Another resource, What Missionaries Ought to Know About Premature Departure From the Field, gives Biblical and practical examples of why missionaries leave early, the emotions involved, common effects of premature departure, and some suggestions for how to move forward in the process.