Caring for Those Who Serve

posted by Navigators on August 18th, 2026 in Community | Giving

By Ian McIntosh, Staff Care.

Helen and I are deeply passionate about the well-being of our Australian Navigator staff and other Navigator missionaries around the world. The Lord has impressed on our hearts the vision of Isaiah 61:1-3. In this passage, the Messiah is anointed ‘to bring good news to the afflicted … to bind up the broken-hearted … and to proclaim liberty to the captives.’

As Jesus proclaimed the gospel, He ministered to the whole person. He met spiritual, emotional and practical needs with compassion. We seek to reflect that same holistic care as we come alongside those serving Christ.

In our humanity, we all face struggles. James 1 reminds us to ‘count it all joy … when you meet trials of various kinds.’ Missionaries and staff are no exception. The unique pressures of ministry make personal care and support essential. This care helps them remain healthy, effective and fruitful in their calling.

We see this ministry as an integral part of making disciples and fostering generational ministry. It helps keep the ‘labourers’ labouring (Matt 9:37–38), so that the gospel continues to multiply through them into future generations.

Just as we come alongside our staff and missionaries in our God-given calling, thank you for coming alongside us and them through your faithful prayers and financial support. We do praise God for each of you.

Ian and Helen McIntosh are part of our Sydney Labouring Community. They serve alongside Australian staff and the worldwide Navigator family in the area of personal care and support. Ian brings over 25 years of experience as a professional counsellor. Together with Helen, they also bring a lifetime of involvement in Student, Community and International Navigator ministry. If you’d like to find out more or give to their ministry, visit their Profile page here: https://navigators.org.au/staff/mcintoshih/