S2E8: Serving Missionary Kids Through Every Season | Steve Swope

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 [email protected] Resources & Links:Ethnos 360: https://ethnos360.org/BaseCamp podcast Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Paul David TrippThird Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock & Ruth Van RekenPieces of Purple by Michelle PhoenixI Have to Be Perfect by Tim Sanford 00:00 – Intro: Meet Steve Swope and MK Care00:46 – What Is Missionary Kid Care?02:17 – Why MK Care Is Essential05:11 – Common Challenges Missionary Kids Face06:44 – MKs and Making Their Faith Their Own07:03 – Steve's Upbringing and Early Missions Influences09:31 – College at Moody Bible Institute11:03 – Becoming a Youth Pastor12:02 – Meeting Becky, a Missionary Kid from Bolivia13:07 – Discovering Pops and Aunt Bart's MK Hospitality Ministry15:20 – The Urbana Missions Conference That Changed Everything17:12 – Answering the Call to Bolivia18:05 – Moving to Bolivia as Associate Missionaries (1989)21:42 – Confirmation and Affirmation in Ministry24:24 – The Role of Community in Discovering God's Will25:08 – Trusting God with Your Desires (Psalm 37)27:02 – Returning for Teacher Certification and Missions Training30:00 – Back to Bolivia: Junior High Dorm Parents32:03 – Four Years of Pre-Field Training33:13 – The Challenges of Raising Support36:19 – God's Unexpected Provision37:17 – Arriving in Bolivia: Culture Shock and Adjustment40:30 – Daily Life on the Mission Field41:13 – Teaching at a Christian Boarding School in the Mountains43:41 – Heartbreak and Loss: Three Deaths in Three Years46:51 – Homesickness and Missing Family47:26 – Political Instability and Rising Crime48:37 – The Painful Closure of Their School50:18 – Transition to Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center52:34 – Looking Back: Relationships and God's Faithfulness55:10 – Raising Third Culture Kids: What Parents Should Know58:27 – Returning to the U.S. and Joining MK Care01:01:10 – The Struggle of Identity and Rest01:05:15 – How Churches Can Support Missionary Kids01:09:04 – Steve's Parkinson's Diagnosis and God's Grace01:14:05 – Encouragement for Those Considering Missions01:16:22 – Recommended Books on MKs and Third Culture Kids01:18:04 – Closing Thanks and Farewell To learn more about SonSet Solutions, go to our website or follow us on social media @SonSetSolutions.Website: https://www.sonsetsolutions.org