Why are some missionaries silent?

Let’s talk about missionaries who rarely report in The Messenger or through any of our other publications.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

If you read any EMC missions publications, you will see occasional blank spots—maybe just an initial, no photo, no mission agency listed, no home church. And no details of the work they are doing, only general information about what to pray for.

What’s going on? What’s the risk?

The answer varies. In some cases, the cross-cultural worker (a better term than missionary in these settings) would personally be at risk. They work in a country that isn’t safe for local Christians or anyone from a western NGO, particularly if they are seen to be proselytizing. In these cases, although EMC workers share their faith with people who want to know—that is why they are there—there is a need for caution.

EMC mission staff and these workers communicate less freely and phrase things carefully to avoid direct references to Christianity and/or missions. Churches are discouraged from emailing workers in these situations—other than home churches who know the worker and are familiar with the necessary protocols. EMC rarely publishes what such a worker writes, and certainly not if the worker could be identified—particularly because most of what we publish goes online.

In other cases, while the cross-cultural worker risks deportation from their country of ministry, the greater risk is for the citizens of the country they serve. Citizens could face economic penalties, jail time, or worse, if they are associated with a foreign mission agency.

For some workers, the risk is that they will be expelled or denied visas at their next entry if they are considered to be proselytizing. They are welcome to serve in careers for the benefit of citizens, and they do this in the name of Christ, but cannot be associated with a mission.

What is noteworthy in these examples is that cross-cultural workers in these risky settings, despite the restrictions and dangers they experience, are committed to speaking of their host country with respect, whether they are in-country or on home assignment. One such cross-cultural worker spoke of being like Daniel, who treated the kings of Babylon with regard despite their ruthless ways of ruling.

Finally, for some workers, silence is a choice they make because their association with a mission agency, if discovered (perhaps through social media), would make their local friends wary. The missionary would be seen as someone with an agenda rather than a true friend. While the concern about an “agenda” isn’t entirely false, it’s also not quite true. These workers are genuine friends who have something truly worthwhile to offer, in the person of Jesus Christ.

Photo by Elianna Gill on Unsplash

Each cross-cultural worker who fits into one of these categories is committed to, and passionate about bringing the good news of salvation through Jesus in their country of ministry.

Though we often cannot share their stories, we encourage you to pray for the cross-cultural workers serving in these contexts, just as you do for the ones who can speak freely, and know that God is at work! EMC Day of Prayer is coming on February 18, 2024. Consider setting aside some time that day or week to pray for missionaries in these types of challenging contexts.