Family

Janell Salter

Missions Organization

Mission Training International

PRIMARY FOCUS / ROLE

Missionary Care

THE WHY

Missionary attrition is at a historic high, with an average of 34% of missionaries in small- to medium-sized organizations not completing their current term. Investing in the care and development of missionaries is one of the wisest and most strategic investments a sending church or denomination can make.

CURRENT PRAYER NEEDS

1. Raising $2,000 a month for missionary care scholarships

LOCATION OF SERVICE

Colorado Springs

MISSION STATEMENT / WHAT THEY DO

Janell and I are passionate about seeing cross-cultural Gospel workers thrive with effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality. I direct a Thrive Initiative that strengthens care and development for global workers, equips sending organizations, and builds sustainable partnerships that expand long-term impact across the broader care and development community.

RECENT STORY OR TESTIMONY

Tom and his wife have served faithfully in Africa for more than 25 years. During the past five years, however, they experienced a series of significant challenges, including several traumatic events and the eventual dissolution of their six-couple ministry team. The cumulative impact left them struggling spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—both with one another and with those around them. After investing many hours in prayer and meeting with biblical counselors within their denomination, they were encouraged to connect with our team and complete a Thrive Assessment while attending a conference where I was speaking. We found a quiet corner in the hotel lobby and began a conversation that quickly revealed the depth of their discouragement and confusion. At one point, they shared, “We are beginning to think our time in Africa is coming to an end. We don’t have the capacity to keep going much longer.” Over the next two hours, through careful listening, exploration, and curiosity, we were able to identify the underlying factors contributing to their struggle. Together, we developed a holistic plan that addressed the stress, grief, trauma, and relational challenges they were carrying. Rather than focusing on a single problem, we created a pathway toward sustainable health and flourishing. Today, Tom and his wife remain on the field and have stepped into new leadership roles. Even more encouraging, they have begun introducing many of the thriving practices they learned into the culture of their new team, multiplying the impact of their own journey toward resilience and renewal.