*Please note, that the names in this blog have been changed, and specific locations omitted to protect the identity of our missionaries and their team who are serving Christ in a sensitive country. 

Welcome back to the second and final part of our Confessions of a Cross-Cultural Missionary mini-series. In this instalment, we will be learning about some of the challenges and encouragements that our missionaries have experienced during their time in Southeast Asia, as well as gaining an insight into their vision for the future. 

Facing Challenges

Whilst it might be easy to remain positive during the good times, when asked about what has sustained them throughout the challenges they have faced, John and Mary both give all credit to the Lord. They profusely attest that the knowledge of God’s sovereignty and goodness is what has kept them both during the many highs and lows of missionary life. Mary provides this further reflection on what has upheld them these past 10 years: 

“We think of the apostle Paul, and his missionary journey. He faced so many obstacles and difficulties, but all the while he was sustained by his purpose. He knew that everything he faced was in service of the Lord. If you focus on why you are doing things, it helps you stay [motivated and grateful].”

As mentioned in part one, it took the couple, John especially, a while to adjust to the pace of mission work in Southeast Asia. In the beginning, the ‘slowness’, not only of life but of discipleship, presented a challenge to John and Mary. For one, communication remains a barrier between missionaries and the B people (the tribe for whom God originally gave them a burden to reach), as all communication must go through a translator. Additionally, with some of the more remote tribes that John and Mary work with the people are largely and voluntarily illiterate, which can affect their understanding of certain spiritual concepts and prevent them from reading God’s Word. 

Whilst the ‘slow’ pace can be a challenge in many ways, through it our missionaries have learned to trust in God’s timing:   

“Through a lot of our mission work, we are planting seeds. Sometimes you want it to go quicker, but it’s better to go slow and sure. It’s easy to get a profession of faith from people, especially from people in Asia, as they are so polite and want to avoid causing offence. However, [this faith] is not always genuine. We do not force anyone into faith. We have learned that you have to be slow and patient, adapting your expectations to the culture and customs of each person you work with.” (John) 

 

Reflecting on Encouragements

John and Mary’s service in Southeast Asia has brought many encouragements. One extremely rewarding area of their ministry is the outreach and discipleship work they carry out in a women’s prison. Mary, alongside a team of female volunteers, travels to a specific women’s prison every Thursday, where they carry out one-to-one discipleship sessions, offer support and assist those participating in LMI’s Bible study courses and resources. The team also visits the same prison every other Saturday to hold fellowship meetings with the women there. Both John and Mary recounted how encouraged they have been to witness the growing faith amongst the female prisoners, despite their challenging circumstances.  

Another incredible advancement in their work is the building of a medical clinic near to the B tribe. This clinic was established in a predominantly Muslim area, which resulted in some opposition. However, the Lord has been faithful every step of the way, allowing the clinic to act as a “spiritual lighthouse”, wherein the team of medically trained volunteers can provide physical healing and build relationships that we pray will lead to fruitful, gospel conversations.

John speaks of just how remarkable this has been:  

“If you had told us 10 years ago that we would have a clinic in that area, we would have said it was impossible.”

Despite initial reactions of apprehension and opposition from the surrounding Muslim community, many have now warmed to the clinic. A foundation of trust has been built, which will benefit all of the team’s future ministry endeavours in that area from here on out. The provision of this clinic speaks to the overwhelming encouragement that both John and Mary have experienced in ministry – seeing the Lord remain faithful and sustain them every day. 

 

Mission Mobilisation

By the grace of God, over the past 10 years, our missionaries have achieved so much for the kingdom. At the first mention of another decade of ministry, both John and Mary issued light-hearted jokes about retirement. However, this was quickly followed with the affirmation that “as long as they are healthy and able” they will continue their service in Southeast Asia. Looking forward to the next chapter of their missionary journey, Mary had this to say:  

“We want to mobilise the local church and motivate individuals to get involved in our mission efforts.”  

John and Mary want their ministry endeavours to be sustainable. To make this a reality, they have been building a team in Southeast Asia of faithful believers who can continue the good work when the time for retirement eventually comes. In addition to having a strong team set up, it is really important for John and Mary to establish good financial support from local churches in the part of Southeast Asia where they serve: 

“At the moment, our support comes primarily from sources in the UK, but we would like to be able to fund our mission efforts from Southeast Asia.” 

Having a local support base is key long term, not just from a practical point of view but in order for local believers to be more invested in evangelistic endeavours. Being a Christian in Southeast Asia can bring very serious consequences. As a result, many churches are quite insular, prioritising protecting their members over reaching unbelievers. Getting involved with John and Mary’s outreach work will be a great way for churches to catch the vision and understand the importance of outreach. 

 

God’s Character Revealed

When discussing the biggest things they have learned about the Lord during their missionary service to date, God’s sovereignty cannot be overlooked. In any conversation surrounding their ministry, John and Mary are quick to acknowledge that nothing could be achieved except for the wisdom and providence of the Lord. It is by His strength and His strength alone that any work is done. This invaluable lesson is one that all believers must learn and re-learn again and again.  It is easy to trust that God is sovereign over the happy and successful moments of our lives, but more difficult to trust that the same is true in the bad times.

While they have had their fair share of struggles, through it all John and Mary have remained firm in their faith, proclaiming: 

“He is always sovereign over everything, the good things and the bad. He is always in control.” (Mary) 

We hope that you are encouraged and challenged by the testimony of LMI’s very first cross-cultural missionaries and their reflections on a decade of service. We’ll leave you with this message from Mary:  

“Being on the mission field can be a huge sacrifice, especially when we think about our family back home. But I am [continually] brought to tears of joy that God would want to use us [in His service]. Take heart and be encouraged; your labour is not in vain.”