EMQ » January–March 2021 » Volume 57 Issue 1
By Laurie A. Tone
Trees play a prominent role throughout scripture. In fact, two central events of the Christian faith, the fall of man and the cross of Christ, involve trees. The book of Revelation describes a tree planted in a stream of a life-giving river that produces twelve crops, flowing from the throne of God whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1–3). In the same sense, having a free-flowing river of life from the throne of God while serving in missions can bring health and vitality to all mission endeavors and vicariously bring healing to the nations. This article will describe twelve types of fruit crops, but with a different focus. These twelve crops will be described from a member care perspective and are designed to reduce physical, emotional, or spiritual stress in the missionary worker.
The book of Revelation describes the river in Chapter 22 as life-giving. It conjures images of health, harmony and balance as the water brings life, nurtures and heals. This can be compared to the need for a harmonious flow in a missionary’s life. In fact, in an analogy to mental health, this river of life could parallel Dan Siegel’s River of Integration.[1] Siegel describes two banks on both sides of a river. A high percentage of symptoms due to a mental health disorder fall on either side of these two banks. However, in a healthy integrated river there is free flow of emotions that are regulated and do not go to either extreme. While emotions may run high or low on any given day, overall there is a modulation and a regulation that allows life to be lived in harmony.
Stress among missionary workers is well established[2] and can lead to extremes in both directions. In a mission’s context, these extremes could present as overwork, anxiety, worry, enmeshment, codependency, lack of boundaries, elevated mood, anger, or exaggerated responses. The other extreme might present as a depressed mood, apathy, low energy, indifference, avoidance, passivity, avolition or a closing off or numbing of emotions. Either side of these banks, both highs and lows, can produce difficulty in missionary’s life or in team dynamics. Stress management and emotion regulation are key to fruitfulness and longevity on the field. When stress and the resulting emotions are not kept in check, regulated, or they vacillate between extreme highs or lows it can result in health issues, interpersonal conflicts, burnout and attrition.
Missionaries, especially ones new to their adopted host country, are known to act or react outside their normal coping mechanisms. In their passport culture, these highs and lows may be well tolerated. But on the field, they may be exacerbated by the unfamiliar, the culture shock, or the loss, grief and lack of resources or support networks.
When used in an integrated fashion, these twelve fruit crops can lead to an abundant life and in a physically, spiritually, and emotionally regulated river of health, harmony, integration and shalom.
Cherries
Cherries are known to contain melatonin which is essential for a good night’s sleep.[3] Lack of sleep leads to distress, poor decision-making, emotional dysregulation and a number of other health-related concerns. One night without sleep has been compared to a DUI.[4]
In fact, real, life-giving restorative sleep is often disrupted in missionary life. There could be a number of sleep depriving factors including time zone issues, excessive heat or cold, noise, or bugs. Although, real cherries have sleep-producing melatonin, maraschino cherries are a cheap imitation. Many view sleep like a maraschino cherry added to the top of a sundae. It’s often treated like an “add on” as workers try and fit more and more in. Deep rich restorative sleep can make a world of difference. The powerful science of sleep goes a long way as it cleanses toxins, renews cells, and gives our brain the chance to process memories. “Sleep on it” is more than just a popular phrase.
Tart cherries are also known to reduce inflammation due to high level of anthocyanins.[5] Inflammation has been implicated in many physical, mental health and auto-immune disorders. Inflammation can be caused by too much stress, or poor eating, both of which can contribute to problems. While cherries have many life-enhancing properties, they also contain pits. Missionaries are often unaware or ill prepared for the pits and pitfalls that await them. Having a “cherry pie in the sky” theology will not make it in the trenches. A solid “theology of suffering” is needed.
Ears of Corn
The second crop is corn, but better yet, ears of corn. Here is a “kernel “of truth – the greatest listening comes from time with the Lord. The art of quietly listening and waiting on the Lord is a stress-reducing discipline worth cultivating (pun intended). Missionaries need ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. This practice extends to the need to listen well to others. Listening well is an art and a skill. Seeking to understand can make the difference in how one responds and can be an antidote to “knee jerk,” uninformed, or other unhealthy reactions.
Science is giving us ample evidence of the power of paying attention.[6] Today with the distractions at an all-time high, giving another person complete attention is a rare find. Often, hearing is selective or biased. Each kernel of corn is a thread but there are multitude of threads that led to making one ear of corn. Listening well considers more than one kernel and contemplates the context. Listening extends to the physical body. The body constantly speaks, the little nagging cough, the clenched teeth, the GI tract. Symptoms of stress often manifest in body systems; listening well and paying attention may help address a symptom before it worsens.
Figs
Those familiar with gardening know full well what is visible to the human eye is not all that is going on. In the same way, God is at work in the quiet place of abiding fully even if the fruit is not visible. As Habakkuk says even though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vine, yet will I praise you (Habakkuk 3:17).
Fig trees may take anywhere from 2–6 years to produce fruit.[7] Many workers want instant results. There may also be unrealistic expectations placed on workers. Some of this pressure may be self-imposed and some may be by well-intentioned leaders or sending churches. In fact, younger workers are often prone to the phenomenon of the “Efforts and Rewards Imbalance”[8] principle of wanting to see results for their efforts. This can be especially pronounced as shorter terms and younger workers permeate the mission world.
Figs play other roles in scripture; some in not such flattering ways. Jesus cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit when he needed it (ouch). Fruit is the natural outgrowth of being connected to the vine. If there is no fruit, it may be a season of pruning, but it may also be a disconnection with the source. Fig leaves were used by Adam and Eve to cover their sin (Genesis 3:7). Missionaries also have ample ways of hiding or covering up sin and avoiding accountability. Sin causes stress and as integrated beings, any sin affects the body, mind and the soul. Reducing stress may include confessing sin, owning a behavior, asking forgiveness, and being accountable.
Nut Trees: Walnuts and Almonds
Nuts have powerful nutritional value, and some have remarkable similarity to parts of the brain that have to do with emotion regulation and stress management. For example, walnuts look like little brains with all the convolutions and two hemispheres. Healthy brain functioning leads to healthy emotion regulation.[9] Often in younger missionaries the ability to self-regulate is not as honed as in seasoned veterans. The prefrontal cortex is some cases is not yet fully developed.[10] This higher-ordered reasoning skill may be underdeveloped leading to lack of thinking through consequences or allowing other information from the amygdala to be mitigated.
The two almond-shaped amygdalae are believed to be the seat bed of memories and emotions and the fight-fright-freeze response largely implicated in stress activation.[11] The fight-flight-freeze response when overactive results in higher level of the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol will wear out even the hardiest of workers. In fact, research is now showing the impact of high cortisol to shorten the telomeres of DNA leading to early cell life death.[12]
The amygdalae are involved in the healing of emotions. There is a multitude of studies linking unresolved trauma with problems in adulthood. The connection between adverse childhood experiences and unregulated emotions is well established.[13] Missiologists have noted that over the years the pool of missionaries coming to the field is much more bruised,[14] which can create problems while serving in missions. So, not only does eating nuts aid physical health, healing emotions and past trauma can bring psychological health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are small but mighty powerhouses linked to healthy hearts. They are known to enhance brain function and are good for cognition and mood regulation. There is ample evidence that healthy eating and exercise can fight off the “blues” or mitigate symptoms of depression. Regular exercise is also implicated in lowering levels of inflammation in the body. Blueberries also contain the same anti-inflammatory properties found in cherries.
Lemons
The age old “when life hands you lemons…” can be an irritating and overly used refrain. But really in missions, there is a need to expect lemons! Jesus shared quite transparently the troubles that awaited his followers. As mentioned previously, a solid “theology of suffering” needs to be part of all missionary endeavors. The glamour of missionary service can turn sour rather quickly. Unmet expectations, disappointments, lack of fruit, conflicts can all contribute to this. This souring can turn to bitterness, which can take root and defile others. It does not take long before sarcasm, cynicism and a critical spirit emerge.
But God has an antidote for bitterness. Imagine the Israelites during their desert trek – hungry, thirsty, tired, desperately needing water. Disappointment, disillusionment, and despair awaited them when they finally arrived at the waters of Marah. They could not drink because the waters were bitter (Exodus 15:22–24). God told Moses to throw in a piece of wood and when he obeyed the waters turned sweet and they could drink and be replenished for the sojourn. The analogy to missionary life is apparent. Everything in life changes when the wood of the Cross is thrown in.
Halo Oranges
Missionary life can often be ripe (pardon the pun) with either the “halo or the horns” impact. Sometimes in certain seasons in life, events and stories can be distorted and the experiences are remembered in skewed ways. One way to combat the “horns” extremes is while in the present consider how the missionary experience will be remembered. Lifestyle changes can be made in the in the physical, emotional, spiritual, or social lifestyle to live in such a way that despite the difficulties, fruit remains with a true “halo” effect.
Olives
Most are familiar with the benefits of olives and olive oil. In reality there is only one way to get oil out of olives and that is by applying intense pressure. The huge olive presses in the Middle East provide such a visual for those used to buying olive oil in a nice amber bottle. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and this symbolism is used throughout scripture in healing, anointing, in lighting lamps, and in the temple. A missionary under stress will reflect what is really going internally. Therefore, being filled with the Holy Spirit is without doubt the most effective stress reducer. It is absolutely essential to be effective. A viable dependence on the Holy Spirit, his word and his power will keep anyone in perfect peace (Isaaih 26:3).
Apples
Apples are recognized as healthy fruit; full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Who can forget, “An apple a day…?” The verse “apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11) refers to the use of the tongue. The tongue can cause stress, division, and destruction. Jesus stated that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Our speech is a reflection of our heart which brings us back to the apple and more specifically to the core. Core beliefs are the building blocks of a person and what one believes about themselves, the world, others and even about God. Core beliefs are what produce automatic thoughts, which in turn lead to emotions and behaviors, including speech. These automatic thoughts need to be examined, regulated, and taken captive in Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). A healthy core with healthy seeds can lead to a harvest of emotional and relational health.
Pineapples
Pineapples are often a symbol of hospitality. Being hospitable or being invited by others can be a stress reducer. Many missionaries are lonely, and many feel unwelcomed. Hospitality welcomes the stranger, and welcoming the stranger is Jesus’ forte. He sought out the marginalized, the forgotten, the uninvited. Pineapples have a rough exterior with spiny thorns but the fruit inside is sweet. People may also often have a rough exterior but inside may just as well be a sweet, life-giving friend. It is Christ-like to take the initiative and make concrete steps to be hospitable.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a wonderful fruit; delectable in sweetness and nutrition. They are also the only fruit with all its seeds on the outside. Many missionaries go with seeds on the “outside” and ready to sow but it sometimes takes years to produce fruit. The strawberry plant is quite the same. In the first year the vinedresser actually prunes back the fruit, so the following years the plant produces more.[15] Why say all this? Pruning is needed for unhealthy relationships or an unbalanced lifestyle or to prune back on commitments that are unnecessary.
Strawberries are tender fruits and can bruise easily. Some missionaries are also tender, bruise easily, and need to be tended and cared for to thrive. Female missionaries have unique needs on the field[16] and the concept of “tend and befriend” rather than “fight or flight”[17] can be a great stress reducer. Male or female, missionaries are surrounded by relationships[18] – some are life giving and others toxic. Some teams may not have natural affinities for friendships but there may be friends from the host country or another agency that, if tended to well, can develop into a life giving, nurturing friendship.
Cranberries
There is a lot of research from both a Christian and secular perspective of the power of gratitude. For those from the United States, cranberries always conjure up images and memories of Thanksgiving. Having a thankful and grateful heart is scientifically shown to improve life.[19] Those with a grateful heart are humble. Humility is a welcome attribute in God’s sacred work. Being thankful and having a grateful heart glorifies God!
In conclusion, these twelve crops used in an integrated fashion can help reduce missionary stress. The missionary will be like another tree found in scripture – the tree planted by a flowing stream – who bears fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither, meditating on God’s word day and night, whatever he or she does will prosper (Psalm 1:1–3).
Dr. Laurie A. Tone, her husband and two daughters served as missionaries in Costa Rica, Argentina, and Miami, Florida. Laurie has extensive experience in cross-cultural counseling and has provided member care services both nationally and internationally.
[1] D. Siegel, Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation (New York, NY: Bantam Books).
[2] L. A. Dodds, Stressed from Core to Cosmos: Issues and Needs Arising from Cross-cultural Ministry (1997). Retrieved from https://www.heartstreamresources.org/media/CORE2COS.pdf.
[3] G. Howatson, P. Bell, J. Tallent, B. Middleton, M. McHugh, and J. Ellis, “Effect of Tart Cherry Juice (Prunus cerasus) on Melatonin Levels and Enhanced Sleep Quality” in European Journal of Nutrition 51, no. 8 (2012): 909–916, https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s00394-011-0263-7.
[4] A.M. Williamson and A.M. Feyer, Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2000) 57 (10), 649–655, https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1136/oem.57.10.649.
[5] Sheau C. Chai, Kristina Davis, Zugui Zhang, Longying Zha, & Kenneth F. Kirschner. “Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults” in Nutrients 11, no. 2 (January 2019): 228, https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/nu11020228.
[6] J. M. Schwartz, M.D. & S. Begley, The Mind and the Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force. (Regan Books/Harper Collins Publishers, 2002).
[7] H. Rhoades, Why a Fig Tree is Not Producing Fruit (2008). Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/fig-tree-is-producing-fruit.htm.
[8] D. Suzic, R. Thomas, L. Jachens, & L. Mihalca, “Staff Well-being and Mental Health” in UNHCR. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org/56e2dfa09.html.
[9] A. M. Kring & D. M. Sloan, eds., Emotion Regulation and Psychopathology: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Etiology and Treatment (New York, NY: Guilford Press, 2010).
[10] C. Thompson, Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships. (Carol Stream, IL: Salt River, 2010).
[11] L. J. Cozolino, The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain (2nd ed.). (New York, NY: W.W. Norton 2010).
[12] N. S. Schutte & J. M. Malouff, J. M., “The Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Telomere Length: A Meta-analysis Stress & Health” in Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress 32, no. 4 (2016): 313–319.
[13] R. F. Anda, V. J. Felitti, J. D. Bremner, J. D. Walker, C. Whitfield, B. D. Perry, S. R. Dube, & W. H. Giles, “The Enduring Effects of Abuse and Related Adverse Experiences in Childhood” in European Archives of Psychiatry & Clinical Neuroscience 256, no. 3 (2006): 174–186.
[14] E. Schubert, E, “Current Issues in Screening and Selection” in Missionary Care: Counting the Cost for World Evangelization, ed. K. S. O’Donnell (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1992), 74-88.
[15] J. Green, How to Prune Strawberries (2017). Retrieved from https://www.gardenguides.com/13427293-how-to-prune-strawberries.html.
[16] R. A. Graybill, The Emotional Needs of Women on the Mission Field (2001). Retrieved from https://www.mrnet.org/node/294.
[17] S. E. Taylor, L. C. Klein, B. P. Lewis, T. L. Gruenewald, R. R. Gurung, & J. A. Updegraff, “Biobehavioral Responses to Stress in Females: Tend-and-Befriend, Not Fight-or-Flight” in Psychological Review 107, no. 3 (July 2000): 411.
[18] J. K. Ritchey & C. H. Rosik, “Clarifying the Interplay of Developmental and
Contextual Issues in Counseling Missionaries” in Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 12, no. 2 (1993): 151–158.
[19] G. Bono, R. A. Emmons, & M. E. McCullough, “Gratitude in Practice and the Practice of Gratitude” in Positive Psychology in Practice, eds. P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2004), 464-481.
EMQ, Volume 57, Issue 1. Copyright © 2021 by Missio Nexus. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission from Missio Nexus. Email: EMQ@MissioNexus.org.
