For the (fellow) missionaries:

If you are called to missions, you need a thick skin. You will face criticism, gossip, betrayal, and sometimes even theft or false accusations. And more often than you would hope or think, this comes from an unexpected direction… one that hurts. The pain is often greatest when the opposition does not come from the ‘outside’ but from fellow believers, teammates, or the very people you are trying to help. This path is not for the weak; it requires a steadfastness that can only be found by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and letting God fight the battle for you.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:18-20

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matthew 5:10-12

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:35-37

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Please note: a thicker skin is not the same as a hardened heart. Being steadfast does not mean the blows do not hurt. On the contrary. Precisely because we follow in the footsteps of Christ, we share in His suffering.

We know it, we are familiar with it: this is the raw side of missionary life. But you do not have to carry that burden alone. You maintain steadfastness precisely by not pushing the pain away but by bringing it into the light. Bottling everything up does not work; it exhausts you and blocks your calling.

Would you like to talk about this? Do it! We offer you a free and safe place for a confidential conversation. Praying together, processing what has happened, and finding space again for the peace of God. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.