Anonymous Missionary, Author at TEAM Christian Missions Blog

A Year of War: 5 Ways to Pray for Ukraine

Feb 24 2023

This guide to prayer was written by a TEAM global worker who is serving on the “frontlines” of ministry to Ukrainian people. It’s hard to believe that this week marks a full year since Russia invaded Ukraine. No doubt you’ve likely heard heartbreaking stories of millions fleeing for safety, fathers separated from their families, horrific massacres of civilians, and utter desolation in cities. How can we as the global body of Christ respond to such suffering and grief? The biggest way is by bearing the burdens of Ukrainians this week as we mark a year of pain and a year…

Covid-19 has cost many missionaries access to their host countries. New strategies and perseverance are vital for the work to continue.

Sep 23 2021

As I write this from Asia, we are weary from yet another round of strict restrictions on travel and gatherings. The world entered the third wave in June; Asia is facing some of our hardest days yet. Today, six countries in Asia are in the top 10 countries facing the highest new cases per day. Eighteen months ago, one colleague was out of her host country for the New Year’s break when COVID-19 hit. The borders were closed, and she returned to the States. She’s now been stateside for more than a year. Another colleague was in the United States…

Woman with suitcase looking out airport window

At the end of a home assignment, denying my grief feels easiest. But God equips me to acknowledge the pain and move forward with faith.

Sep 10 2021

I hate the goodbyes that come with ending a home assignment. I want good things to keep going as they are, indefinitely. And yet, I know that’s not how life works. Denial of something’s end doesn’t delay or prevent its end. It only keeps us from grieving what was and archiving pieces of it in memory, from getting up and walking into what’s next. If I stay stuck in this spot, unwilling to accept the reality that time is moving on, time isn’t what stops moving. There will come a day when I’m ripped from my spot, stuck in “the…

For missionaries in high-security nations, communication is a constant concern. One careless email can endanger an entire ministry.

Apr 29 2021

My heart rate skyrocketed in seconds, and my blood pressure probably followed suit soon after. “You got to be kidding me! Why?” I couldn’t believe it had happened once again. “I have said multiple times not to use the ‘M’ word.” Not spelling out “missionary” is basic security 101 for anyone working in a high-security country — a nation where surveillance is high and the Gospel is either not welcomed or is discouraged. My immediate reaction was anger, but it was a cover emotion for fear. Would this be the time that someone was actually reading my communication? What would…

Muslim woman stands in French park, representing a situation in which cross-cultural training would be vital

When you minister to immigrants in a foreign country, cultural blunders are easy to make. You need the right cross-cultural training to give you a strong foundation for service.

Feb 11 2021

Without cross-cultural training, it’s easy for a new missionary to make costly mistakes. Mine could have been losing a friendship over a bowl of couscous. When my husband and I sensed God calling us to serve overseas, we weren’t seminary educated. We had traveled to over 15 countries together, but that was just enough for us to know we weren’t equipped to sustain a successful career as missionaries. Then we heard about Launch, a two-year, intensive internship in southern France. While living amongst North African immigrants, interns are trained in three areas: How to be a living testimony in a…

Innov-Asia is a chance to dive into ministry among unreached people groups throughout Asia.

Jan 11 2021

One quarter of the world’s people are outside the normal reach of the Church. If you want to engage these unreached people groups, how do you do it? Innov-Asia is a short-term mission trip designed to help aspiring missionaries see that life and service at the ends of the earth is doable. It requires creativity, innovation and a willingness to live outside your comfort zone. Serving Unreached People Groups through Innovation Some workers live in unusual places, while others start new businesses. Some use arts and music, while others work on translation projects. Jackson and Diane chose to open a…

Author - Anonymous Missionary

A Year of War: 5 Ways to Pray for Ukraine

COVID is Still Changing Our Ministries — and God is Still Working

After Home Assignment: Grieving the Good That Was

Don’t Say the ‘M’ Word: Sharing Ministry from High-Security Nations

I Could Have Killed a Ministry Moment — Without Cross-Cultural Training

Innov-Asia: A Short-Term Mission to the Ends of the Earth