by Jon Konnerup
Across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, missionaries are experiencing the results of government actions against immigration and religion. Governments are not renewing work visas, requiring means to provide social assistance to their people, or regarding missionaries as taking jobs away from their people. Some countries are making it illegal to share your faith outside of the church or to distribute material to someone not of your faith. Christian organizations are losing their government registrations.
Elections in our country can influence the climate of missionary activity worldwide. Should things move forward with the border to our south, we could see our missionaries impacted. If economies in Southeast Asia continue to suffer and employment opportunities decline, missionaries in creative access nations will also likely struggle to maintain their platforms and visas. Our military activities in regions like Syria could result in a more hostile reception to visas for our people there and in areas that support opposing sides (Russia).
In the midst of difficult circumstances, we are thankful the same God who was faithful in calling each of these missionaries is the same God who is seated on the throne today! What men will do to stop the spread of God’s Word will not stop the work of God.
Pray for our missionaries in these changing times and pray God would make a way for them to remain in their countries and supply all their needs. Pray for believers and leaders in these countries around the world to remain strong, especially when the missionary has to leave. Someone said, “The Great Commission is not just for a time of freedom.”