Transitioning Ministries and Family Life
Jose and Ana were entering a period of significant change in both their ministry and family life. They had successfully learned the local language, adapted to the culture, and built strong friendships in the Middle Eastern country where they had been called to serve. However, due to new visa restrictions and shifting government policies, they decided to move to a European country with a large immigrant and refugee population. Their desire to remain faithful to their calling led them to continue sharing the gospel with the people they had come to love.
Facing New Challenges and Questions
As they prepared for this transition, Jose and Ana encountered many new challenges and questions. They wondered how best to reach and minister to unreached people who themselves were adjusting to a radically different environment and culture. They worried about their children’s ability to adapt yet again to a new culture. The parents questioned whether their children’s educational needs would be met in ways that encouraged the biblical values they cherished. Additionally, Jose and Ana wondered if their supporting churches and teams would understand and support this new calling and season of ministry. Through it all, they realized the importance of trusting their Heavenly Father, who already knew their concerns and needs before they voiced them.
Finding Community and Opportunities to Serve
Jose and Ana soon became part of a missionary team comprised of other Global South workers. This new community provided fruitful opportunities to serve immigrant friends from countries with the same religious background as those they had previously lived among. Teaching English classes became a bridge for developing friendships, discipleship, and sharing the gospel in a natural and respectful manner.
Regular visits to immigrant neighborhoods and nearby villages, where access to the gospel was limited, offered many opportunities to share the love of Jesus with people who had never heard the gospel message. Jose and Ana now dream of establishing a church for new immigrant believers—a place where they can gather, grow as faithful disciples of Jesus, and belong to a community of faith that honors their cultural values.
Challenges in Children’s Education
Jose and Ana’s concerns for their children’s education became another major challenge. While grateful for the benefits of public-school education, they struggled with their children being exposed to beliefs and practices that didn’t align with their biblical faith. This situation created stress and potential conflict within the family. They longed for their children to transition to a healthier school environment that better supported their faith and emotional well-being, but this would require additional costs at a time when their regular financial support had significantly decreased.
Partnering for Sustainable Missions
Jose and Ana’s story illustrates the typical challenges faced by Global South missionaries. The mission of Disciple Makers for the Nations is to partner with these gospel messengers, helping them remain strong and sustainable in their ministry. We invite you to join us as we pray for and help meet some essential financial needs so missionaries like Jose and Ana can continue making disciples among the remaining unreached peoples.
