As we are now well over a year into Covid-19 and for some of us the disruption and turmoil seem no closer to ending, I’d like to share some observations on our joint experience.
It seems to me (to make a subjective observation that is not robust or scientifically-based) that mission workers have, on the whole, coped with the challenges of the last 15 months with less obvious trauma than the average Christian, despite the difficulties of often being away from home for extended periods, not being in the same country as their children, or grappling with the fact that our comparative wealth gives us more options than the local people we work with.
If we have fared better throughout this crisis, what are some of the reasons?
Mission workers are already accustomed to change and turmoil. Many of us will previously have had to move country rapidly for security or visa reasons; some of us live with an evacuation bag already packed. We’re used to not seeing loved ones in person sometimes for years at a time. And some of the challenges faced by the rest of the population, like home schooling or working from home, may be things we are doing already.
We have a sense of vocation which pulls us through difficult times. Our activities may have been disrupted but we still have a sense of calling to a particular place, people group or activity which provides us with a sense of purpose and direction in difficult times.
We expect life to bring challenges. Whether we were trained to expect difficulties, or have simply got used to dealing with them along the way, we have a theology of suffering. We have experienced the doors closed to mission and know first-hand the risks of international mission. So when we encounter another major challenge, it’s more like a huge pothole than the road ahead being completely destroyed.
We have good support mechanisms. Most Christians do not have their own support groups, churches praying for them regularly, or prayer groups. Most people don’t circulate a monthly prayer letter. They don’t have a member care department checking in with them regularly. We are blessed to have so many people actively praying for, supporting and encouraging each of us.
We have constructive working relationships (most of the time!) Part of our role in being a ‘professional’ Christian is that we pray with our co-workers, expect discussion of our spiritual life to be normal, and regularly study the Bible or discuss theology as part of our work or fellowship. This means we are constantly engaging with God, or with others about God, in our daily lives. Our leadership is expected to take an interest in our spiritual wellbeing and may even be proactive in supporting us or holding us accountable.
It’s easy for us to forget that most Christians live and work in a largely secular context devoid of the sort of support and encouragement that we receive. So how do we, who continue to receive so much in the midst of the current difficulties, help the rest of the church benefit from the structures, supports and relationships that are so important for helping us thrive through the adversities we experience?
It would be helpful to have feedback from our readers who are mission workers, to know what has worked to help you during Covid-19, or what help you would have liked but didn’t receive. Email us on webmaster@membercare.eu or engage with us through social media links.
Tim Herbert is the founder of Syzygy Missions Support Network and provides practical and pastoral support to mission workers. This blog originally appeared on the Syzygy website as part of a series on issues thrown up by Covid-19 and is reproduced here with permission.
