Project 8542

Recent data shows that missionary kids living on the field are almost twice as likely to experience serious mental health challenges compared to young people in their home/sending countries. The reasons are varied and complex, but the reality is clear: missionary life is demanding, and missionary families sacrifice deeply to follow Jesus. Accessing appropriate care on the field is often extremely difficult, which means prevention, early identification, and skilled support are essential for protecting these young people and their families.

The SIL Medical Centre at Ukarumpa in PNG has identified mental health concerns among missionary children as a critical area requiring action.

Mark van Rossen, a retired Wycliffe Australia member with decades of lived and field experience, is undertaking specialised mental health training in 2026, including Mental Health First Aid. His goal is to equip field‑based first responders—teachers, youth group leaders, Staff Care team members, and others—with the skills to support young people and their parents during a mental health crisis. Mark will train these frontline supporters to recognise early signs of mental health difficulties, engage in safe and compassionate conversations, and guide families toward appropriate help. Strengthening this network of trained responders will also help prevent emerging mental health challenges from escalating into full‑blown crises.

Mark is also preparing to extend this training to Wycliffe Australia’s partners in Bible translation across PNG and the wider Pacific/Oceania region, multiplying its impact.

To make this possible, Mark is seeking to raise just over $11,000 in 2026 to fund his specialised training (phase 1) and to begin rolling out mental health first aid training to those working closely with young people (phase 2). This work is vitally important for missionary families, and your support would be deeply appreciated.

Partner with us

Budget target: AU$11,111 per year

Excess funds will go towards the following year’s target.

(image from Google Gemini)