Living in the Danger Zone
12 Mar 2018
Missionaries face all sorts of challenges. For some, it’s physical things: like heat and humidity, or contaminated food. For others, it might be danger: like civil war, armed robberies and kidnappings. In another country there might be hostility to Christianity, so that sharing the gospel can lead to expulsion, imprisonment or even being killed. And there are some missionaries who live in countries where all these challenges combine into a really intense, high-pressured environment. These ones desperately need our prayers.
We recently received this poignant reflection from one of our missionaries who is working among a people group hostile to the gospel. Opportunities to share are always a great privilege and a great danger, and we see the dichotomy of these two truths in what they have written:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am truly happy within the Lord. He has done amazing things.
I know the road I travel on into the future will be bittersweet…
A road filled with trials, yet incredible triumphs by the Lords mighty hand.
A road marked with danger, yet an unshakeable confidence in the Lords protection.
A road of loneliness, yet sweet fellowship with Him and his saved ones.
A road clear of worldly comforts, yet peace that the world cannot offer.
A road of risk, yet with amazing open doors and opportunities.
A road of multiple rejections, yet many coming into the kingdom.
A road filled with uncertainties, yet certain of his guidance in the Word and Spirit.
A road travelled in much weakness, yet made strong by his grace.
Rolling into my 6th year on the field, I sit back in awe, amazement and praise of the Lord for his faithfulness and power in my life here.
He is worthy.
Let’s take a moment to pray for our Christian workers who are sharing the gospel at great personal risk:
“Lord we pray for these beloved brothers and sisters who have counted the cost, and considered the gospel to be more valuable than their own lives. Protect them we pray. Send your angels to guard them as they travel, and when they are sharing their faith. Give them great wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent, and lead them by your Holy Spirit to those who are truly seeking to know the truth about you. Protect them from authorities or people that would mean them harm. We pray for your comfort, your companionship and your joy for each one. Bring other workers, both locally and from afar, to shoulder the work with them. May your name be glorified among every tribe, tongue and nation. Amen”
‘Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you. In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me‘ (Philippians 2:17-18).