Trauma and Coping Mechanisms among Assemblies of God World Missionaries

“In clear, discerning language, Rance interweaves theological reflection, social analysis, and psychological research to create a volume that is an invaluable resource for church and mission alike.”


—Robert L. Gallagher, Professor emeritus of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School





“Whether in her many years of deep, personal experience during the Salvadoran Civil War or her extensive travels around the world in training global missionaries, . . . Rance has seen it all. Her scholarly analysis of the coping mechanisms of God’s most courageous apostles in situations of trauma brings discipline, technique, and rigor to this very important and perennial missiological theme.”


—Joseph Castleberry, President, Northwest University





“Well-researched and eye-opening, this significant research unpacks the hitherto unexplored realities of trauma on mission practitioners, while also providing practical, biblical coping mechanisms for those who have experienced trauma. This is a must-read for everyone involved in the sending, training, and care of cross-cultural workers!”


—Sarita Gallagher Edwards, author of Breaking through the Boundaries: God’s Mission from the Outside In





“With the passion of a career missionary and the therapeutic insight of a professional counselor, Rance has done what few can do. She has laid the foundations of a path to post-traumatic growth for the international heroes of our faith. The life of an international missionary is culturally disruptive, personally stressful, and potentially traumatic. Rance’s excellent work shows us how those disruptions do not have to be career terminating but become missionally transforming.”


—Johan Mostert, Professor emeritus of Community Psychology, Evangel University