Inc. Everyone needs time to relax, think, and receive new perspective on life. Soldiers take leaves to refresh themselves physically and emotionally. Professors take sabbaticals to rest and do further research in their fields of expertise. Missionaries also need time away from their ministries- to gather renewed strength and rearm for the critical task or world evangelization.
Missionary furloughs can benefit both missionary families and supporting the local churches.
Missionaries can help local churches in many ways. The missionary is a vital source of missions information, and can help promote missions awareness throughout the congregation. The missionary knows first hand the reality and rewards of life as a missionary can be of invaluable assistance and encouragement to people who are interested in missionary service. While missionaries have much to offer their home churches, the local church has a responsibility to help its missionaries to take time to relax and be refreshed physically and spiritually. It should involve furloughing missionaries in the life of the church so they can develop friendships and supportive relationships with church members.