What Is The Story Behind Our Name?
In our 20 years as missionaries, we've noticed a concerning trend: more and more missionaries are leaving the field prematurely. Shockingly, studies have revealed that out of 100 missionaries sent, only 40 will still be on the mission field after a decade. We have much work to do to reverse this trend.
I'm sad to report that many team members are leaving for reasons that could have been avoided. These include disagreements with teammates, struggles in their marriage, feeling unsupported by their organization, and uncertainty about their role on the team.
Many of these issues can be resolved through intentional mentorship, pre-field training, and missionary debriefing. But the most critical factor is recognizing God’s constant presence and boundless love.
Every missionary gets lonely. We all sometimes feel forgotten. We even have moments of doubt and disappointment. Although training and debriefs are helpful, they won't solve these inner struggles. These issues go deeper, but there is hope for a solution.
At our nonprofit, we carefully pondered the name we wanted to adopt. We sought answers to questions to help us direct our mission with clarity and impact. We asked ourselves, "What do missionaries need to know most?" and "What will help them thrive and succeed in their work?" “Is there one thing that could drastically affect spiritual and emotional health on the field?”
After much reflection, we realized there is a crucial element that would make all the difference:
Knowing God and fully grasping His love for us. It's a game-changer for spiritual and emotional health on the field.
The desire to capture this sentiment led us to Psalms 139. This passage has always been a source of strength for me, and I believe it holds the same power for you. Allow me to share its enduring wisdom with you. It’s a message that will provide a firm foundation for every missionary (and every Christian) to build upon.
Psalms 139
LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
You understand my thoughts from far away.
You observe my travels and my rest;
You are aware of all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue,
You know all about it, LORD.
You have encircled me;
You have placed Your hand on me.
This extraordinary knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to heaven, You are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
If I live at the eastern horizon
or settle at the western limits,
even there Your hand will lead me;
Your right hand will hold on to me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will be night” —
even the darkness is not dark to You.
The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to You.
For it was You who created my inward parts;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You
because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.,
Your works are wonderful,
and I know this very well.
My bones were not hidden from You
when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in Your book and planned
before a single one of them began.
God, how difficult Your thoughts are
for me to comprehend;
how vast their sum is!
If I counted them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with You.
God, if only You would kill the wicked —
you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me —
who invoke You deceitfully.
Your enemies swear by You falsely.
LORD, don’t I hate those who hate You,
and detest those who rebel against You?
I hate them with extreme hatred;
I consider them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.
See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way.