Vol 1 Endorsers

"Dr. O'Donnell offers a clarion call for good practice in the burgeoning field of global member care. With Christians sent out from nearly all countries to all countries, member care is now a truly global undertaking. The depth of insight Dr. O’Donnell provides in his analysis of the past, present, and future of member care shows that he understands this reality. His concern and compassion for mission and aid workers in our increasingly complicated and often dangerous world are evident throughout. This book is destined to become a well-read classic!"

Todd M. Johnson, PhD

Director, Center for the Study of Global Christianity

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, United States

*****

Dr. O’Donnell is a well-known psychologist in the mission and church community. He has contributed significantly to our understanding of the holistic needs of mission/aid workers and humans. In COMIBAM, and throughout the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world, we have benefited greatly from his knowledge and experience. Those serving cross-culturally are able to stay longer, be more productive, and impact more lives. This book takes us deeper and more specifically into the core issues related to member care. I really appreciate the wealth of relevant material on history/future directions, health/dysfunction, and ethics/human rights. Thank you Dr. O’Donnell for another gem!

Decio de Carvalho

Executive Director

COMIBAM International

*****

Pearls and Perils comes at an important time in my graduate training, when like many other colleagues I am desiring solid professional training in member care. I am particularly appreciative of the historical milestones that orient us to the member care field, the realistic challenges that mission/aid organizations face in fulfilling their purposes, and the centrality of ethical practice in the management and support of workers. Dr. O’Donnell’s engaging writing style will touch your heart and definitely hold your interest. Pearls and Perils is not just for academicians but for all those who care deeply about promoting health within/through the mission/aid sector. We will certainly be using this book in our local member care group (Caravan) which meets for mutual encouragement and additional training.

Ann Yeh, MA

PhD Student

Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology, USA

*****

This is a timely, cutting edge, and most-welcome book! As an Africa-based practitioner, I have watched the member care field shift its focus from caring for mission/aid workers "from the North who serve the rest of the world" to embracing a global call to care for "the diversity of workers around the world." Dr. O’Donnell’s book not only reflects this shift but also helps steer it both emphatically and practically in this global direction. Pearls and Perils also expands upon the ongoing shift in mission/aid that includes the holistic emphasis of the gospel for all those who seriously follow Christ: upholding justice, advocacy for the vulnerable, and living lives that demonstrate the integration of moral character and competent practice. Dr. O'Donnell has written an exceptional book. It will further equip the world-wide Church to support and manage its personnel who serve in challenging places at home or away, be it in China or Canada, Italy or India, Kenya or Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela or Vanuatu.

Gladys K. Mwiti, PhD

Consulting Clinical Psychologist

Founder and CEO, Oasis Africa, Kenya

*****

"I am delighted that Dr. O'Donnell has again put pen to paper in order to further equip an even broader readership with his insights on member care. His previous book, Doing Member Care Well (2002), was pivotal to help pull together the perspectives and practices of the international member care community. This new book, Pearls and Perils, continues the international emphasis with due regard for the fast-moving, complex, and at times dangerous world of mission/aid. Dr. O’Donnell provides solid, innovative material to further upgrade our staff care and development approaches. Pearls and Perils is superb! It will be widely welcomed by an increasingly diverse range of workers, trainers, caregivers, and senders at this exciting time, when faith-based organizations are becoming increasingly prominent and strategic."

Dr. Ted Lankester

Director of Health Services

InterHealth, United Kingdom

*****

"The Global Member Care series is a must-have resource for anyone serious about leading mission in the 21st Century. In this first book, The Pearls and Perils of Good Practice, Dr. O’Donnell once again competently launches us further into the practical realities of doing member care well. He provides an up to date and comprehensive review of organizational and interpersonal support in mission/aid. He also boldly discusses the need to upgrade our approaches to ethics, corruption, management, and leadership plus provides many tools and examples to do so. I sincerely hope that this book travels far and wide, in written and digital form, and in many translations. Dr. O’Donnell’s work is not only for those with member care responsibility. If you are thinking of a career in mission/aid or if you are in leadership or training in mission/aid, this book has to be on your desk and at your side. Pearls and Perils excels in scholarship, readability, and above all relevance!”

John Fawcett MSW

International Human Resource Consultant

Editor, Stress & Trauma Handbook, New Zealand

*****

The strength of Pearls and Perils is its emphasis on growth and reflection as well as its supportive resources for member care practitioners. It will be another major reference for the member care movement here in the Philippines and in other countries. Dr. O'Donnell's book strengthens the foundations set by his previous book, Doing Member Care Well, which served as our manual and major guide for best practice. We are grateful for this "precious pearl" and highly recommend it!

Grace Margaret Alag, MA

Programs Operations Director

Asian Center for Missions, The Philippines

*****