In this episode of the Go and Send Podcast, Steve Swope shares his journey from youth ministry in Michigan to serving missionary families in Bolivia and now supporting missionary kids (MKs) through Ethnos 360's MK Care Program. Steve and his wife, Becky, have dedicated decades to caring for missionary children, helping them navigate the unique challenges of growing up across cultures.
In this episode of the Go and Send Podcast, Steve Swope shares his journey from youth ministry in Michigan to serving missionary families in Bolivia and now supporting missionary kids (MKs) through Ethnos 360's MK Care Program. Steve and his wife, Becky, have dedicated decades to caring for missionary children, helping them navigate the unique challenges of growing up across cultures.
Steve opens up about his path to missions—from growing up in a missions-minded church to attending the Urbana Missions Conference as a newlywed. He walks through 15 years of teaching and leading at Christian schools in Bolivia, the joys and heartaches of serving overseas, and the difficult transition when their school closed due to political instability. Now back in the U.S., Steve and Becky minister to MKs through retreats, debriefing, hospitality, and their podcast Base Camp.
This conversation offers valuable insight into the often-overlooked ministry of caring for missionary kids, the realities of raising a family overseas, and practical ways churches can support MKs and their families.
Contact us at goandsend@sonsetsolutions.org
Resources & Links:
00:00 – Intro: Meet Steve Swope and MK Care
00:46 – What Is Missionary Kid Care?
02:17 – Why MK Care Is Essential
05:11 – Common Challenges Missionary Kids Face
06:44 – MKs and Making Their Faith Their Own
07:03 – Steve's Upbringing and Early Missions Influences
09:31 – College at Moody Bible Institute
11:03 – Becoming a Youth Pastor
12:02 – Meeting Becky, a Missionary Kid from Bolivia
13:07 – Discovering Pops and Aunt Bart's MK Hospitality Ministry
15:20 – The Urbana Missions Conference That Changed Everything
17:12 – Answering the Call to Bolivia
18:05 – Moving to Bolivia as Associate Missionaries (1989)
21:42 – Confirmation and Affirmation in Ministry
24:24 – The Role of Community in Discovering God's Will
25:08 – Trusting God with Your Desires (Psalm 37)
27:02 – Returning for Teacher Certification and Missions Training
30:00 – Back to Bolivia: Junior High Dorm Parents
32:03 – Four Years of Pre-Field Training
33:13 – The Challenges of Raising Support
36:19 – God's Unexpected Provision
37:17 – Arriving in Bolivia: Culture Shock and Adjustment
40:30 – Daily Life on the Mission Field
41:13 – Teaching at a Christian Boarding School in the Mountains
43:41 – Heartbreak and Loss: Three Deaths in Three Years
46:51 – Homesickness and Missing Family
47:26 – Political Instability and Rising Crime
48:37 – The Painful Closure of Their School
50:18 – Transition to Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center
52:34 – Looking Back: Relationships and God's Faithfulness
55:10 – Raising Third Culture Kids: What Parents Should Know
58:27 – Returning to the U.S. and Joining MK Care
01:01:10 – The Struggle of Identity and Rest
01:05:15 – How Churches Can Support Missionary Kids
01:09:04 – Steve's Parkinson's Diagnosis and God's Grace
01:14:05 – Encouragement for Those Considering Missions
01:16:22 – Recommended Books on MKs and Third Culture Kids
01:18:04 – Closing Thanks and Farewell
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Website: https://www.sonsetsolutions.org