by David Allen

When I listened to the news of another attack by the militant group al Shaba’ab in Kenya, I felt myself stiffening. I knew of missionaries who lived in the region. They decided to stay alongside the local church community and support them through the crisis. I wondered how close the fighting was to their families. And, I admit, I wished they would just flee the area for their safety.

Missionaries in closed countries often face threats to their physical safety. Many have an emergency evacuation plan in place and ready to implement, including a “go-to” bag by the door. Some face constant challenges to their health and well-being because of constant exposure to diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as the lack of clean water and good medical services.

There are times when missionaries in dangerous regions experience tension when they are faced with a difficult choice: do I flee from danger and protect my family, or do I stand with the local Christians and help them through the crisis? It is a gut-wrenching decision for missionaries who teach the new Christians to trust in God in all situations and then flee themselves when crisis strikes.They can wonder if their actions are consistent with what they are teaching about trusting in God.

We don’t like to think about the danger that the missionaries may be in, especially when they are our good friends. What can we to do to support them? Do our prayers make any difference?

I want to encourage you to pray for the missionaries you know who work in dangerous regions. Our prayers are important, and they make an eternal difference! On several occasions, Paul gives credit to the prayers of believers for delivering him from deadly peril:

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” - 2 Corinthians 1:10-11

Paul knows that he has received favor and deliverance from God because of the prayers of the saints. Therefore, he persists in asking for more prayers as he continues his missionary journeys.

Missionaries can be faced with difficult decisions with no easy answers. We need to pray for God to give them wisdom, discernment, and boldness as they navigate through dangerous waters (Acts 4:19).

Not everyone is called to be a Paul and take the Good News to the ends of the earth. But some are clearly called and willingly accept the risks that come with the missionary profession. We who remain home have an important role in their mission. God rewards prayers of faith.

Join us in covering our missionaries with a blanket of prayer. Let us be faithful in praying for our missionaries!