Ministry to Missionary Kids in Paraguay
Before God began leading Daniel and Sarah into cross-cultural missions, they were drawn to youth ministry. When they learned about rural youth ministry with SIM USA in Paraguay, they were immediately interested.
“We just had a peace that this was what we were supposed to do. God never removed that peace,” Daniel said.
In Paraguay, Daniel and Sarah trained local youth leaders in rural communities, launched a camp ministry, and supported missionary kids.
“Ministering to missionary kids was something we kind of did on the side at first because we love youth, and there were a lot of missionary kids. Nobody was discipling them in their heart language. But it grew and grew over the years,” Daniel said. “Eventually, we ministered to missionary kids and third culture kids all over Paraguay.”
Their missionary kids’ outreach included monthly youth gatherings and annual camps. The camps focused specifically on missionary kids— the only Christian camp for third culture kids in the entire country.
“We saw how unique the needs and the gifts for the missionary kids were, and we realized not a whole lot of people intentionally reach out to them,” Daniel said.
While the needs of missionary kids are often overlooked, the Lord sees them. He works through global workers like Daniel and Sarah to care for third-culture kids who might otherwise feel unseen.
“He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’” Mark 9:36-37
Understanding Missionary Kids: The Unique Journey of Third Culture Kids
Missionary kids are the children of missionaries who grow up in cultures different from their parents’ home country. As a result, they often identify as third-culture kids—a term that refers to the blend of their parents’ home culture (the first culture) and the culture of the country where they live (the second culture), creating a unique third cultural identity.
While missionary kids and third culture kids gain unique cross-cultural experiences and adaptability, they also face challenges such as frequent transitions and cultural identity issues. They may struggle with a sense of belonging, frequently moving between cultures and feeling like they don’t fully fit in either their home country or host country.
SIM USA recognizes third culture kids’ unique challenges and strengths and is committed to providing support, discipleship, and community to help them thrive in their faith and identity.
“Missionary kids are very unique, and they have very unique needs,” Daniel said. “But you don’t have to be a third culture kid yourself to care for them, love them, and minister to them.”
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5
Finding Home in New Soil: A Story for the Uprooted
Last year, Daniel and Sarah’s camp for third culture kids centered around the theme of belonging.
“The theme was finding a place to belong because missionary kids sometimes feel like they never fully belong, no matter where they go,” Daniel explained.
Throughout the first week of camp, Daniel kept a potted plant on the stage where he led the main teaching sessions. Early on, he invited the kids to name the plant. After several enthusiastic suggestions, they voted on the quirky name “Not Red Leafy.”
Daniel placed an empty flowerpot next to Not Red Leafy on the stage during one of his teaching sessions. Then, he gently pulled the plant from its original pot and held it up for the children to see, its roots exposed and dangling in the air.
“What would happen if this plant just stayed like this—uprooted, hanging in midair?” Daniel asked.
“It would die!” the kids quickly replied.
“Exactly,” Daniel said. “When a plant is uprooted, it has to put down roots again to receive nourishment and grow in a new place.”
He moved to the empty pot, carefully placed Not Red Leafy inside, added fresh soil, and watered it. Then, he invited the children to pray with him that Not Red Leafy would take root and thrive in its new home.
By the end of camp, Not Red Leafy was alive and well in the new pot—a living reminder to the missionary kids that while being uprooted is hard, it’s possible to grow and belong again in a new context.
Daniel, Sarah, and the kids placed the newly potted Not Red Leafy in front of the camp bungalow. It still sits there today, a lasting reminder to third-culture kids that putting down roots in a new place isn’t just possible—it’s essential.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
“When you’re constantly being uprooted and having to put roots down in a new place, there is a temptation to disconnect, not allow yourself to feel, and not reconnect into a new community,” Daniel said. “So, we just wanted to challenge and encourage them that wherever God plants them, they can do the hard work, allow themselves to be vulnerable, and reconnect with people through whom they can receive the nourishment they need.”
SIM USA’s Heart for Missionary Kids
Through their ministry in Paraguay with SIM USA, Daniel and Sarah have lived out a deep commitment to caring for young people, especially those who often feel overlooked. From rural Paraguayan youth to missionary kids navigating life between cultures, their ministry has created spaces where young hearts can feel seen, understood, and deeply rooted in God’s love.
Daniel and Sarah are beginning a new journey in their ministry. They will be working as Missionary Kid Caregivers at SIM USA, walking with MK teenagers as they launch into adulthood and university. Would you pray with us for this new season of Daniel and Sarah’s ministry?
Are you interested in cross-cultural missions but wondering how your kids would adjust? At SIM USA, we understand missionary kids’ unique challenges in a cross-cultural context. That’s why we’re committed to walking alongside families every step of the way—helping missionary kids survive the journey and truly thrive in it.
Whatever ministry you are passionate about, there’s a place for you—and your family—at SIM USA. Learn more about partnering with us and exploring life in global mission here!
Maggie Watts
Content Creator
I am a Content Creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.