Supporting Missionaries During War Time
Much evangelistic and ministry activity occurs around the world; however, missionaries are those specifically taking the gospel to people in cultures and languages different from their own. Missionaries come from many countries and originate from many different ethnicities. The fact that these choice ministers serve and reside as civilians among foreign people, languages, and cultures creates unique vulnerabilities, especially during social unrest and war.
From the early days of my family's missionary service in Siberia, we experienced the impact of the Russian war in Chechnya, 9/11, and the following tensions from international conflicts. I recall one visa renewal trip, during which I missed a deadly terrorist bombing in a Moscow subway station, where I had been just 20 minutes prior. Because foreign wars have rarely been waged on American soil, it is easy for us to be passive about the chronic global dangers of war. The truth is that most refugees you see and meet have involuntarily come due to a displacing military conflict. Though today's war in Ukraine stands in the spotlight, it is not the only military conflict is going on in the world. Our global missionary force needs our communication, preparation, and prayers!
Communication Items:
Double-check that your missionary partners are in communication with their closest embassy or consulate.
Learn your missionary partners' backup communication plans, emergency escape routes, and emergency contacts.
Double-check that your missionary partners have adequate medical supplies and emergency cash.
Learn how to get funds and resources quickly and directly to your missionary partners.
Material Preparations:
Intentionally build emergency reserves into your church's missions budget.
Ensure your missionary partners have means for emergency communication, i.e., a satellite phone, ham radio, etc.
Financially and relationally prepare to assist your conflict-zone missionary partners with debriefing, resettlement, emotional support, and trauma-related counseling needs.
Prayer Points:
Pray for their safety, their ministry team's safety, and for peace.
Pray for their discernment as they make hard choices regarding their family's or personal needs and the ministry's needs.
Pray for their sustained emotional stability and encouragement as spiritual leaders.
Pray for the gospel to organically spread through Christ-exalting responses.