21st Century Missions in a Dangerous World

By Dr. Bill Commons

America is at war. Is it time to call our missionaries home? Should we pull back and play it safe? Should we retreat from obeying the Great Commission because of global terrorism? Will our actions be guided by fear or faith?

ABWE always seeks to protect our far-flung ambassadors for Christ. We do not seek martyrdom. Occasionally tragedies happen (just as they do at home), but mission policy tries to shield our gospel-messengers from unusual risk. Several times personnel have evacuated or relocated temporarily due to life-threatening conditions. Our 75 year history has a remarkable record of safety. This is only by God's grace, but we emphasize security protocols on the field.

ABWE has a contingency plan for every location where we serve, including the Home Office. Plans include three to four alternate methods of transportation and evacuation, as well as specialized communications procedures. When administrators do have to make the decision to pull missionaries out, it is well considered, coming after a 30-90 day trial period. Such a decision always requires God's wisdom, for missionaries suffer real anguish at the thought of abandoning their national brothers and sisters, while administrators struggle to balance their responsibility to the public and family of the missionaries with faith, not fear.

Missions is not a cushy job. Discipleship is not a picnic; rather, it is arduous obedience, often in the face of strong opposition. We, as valiant light-bearers, are to boldly penetrate the darkness, not run at the first opportunity.

Dr. Michael Loftis, ABWE's president, tells a story of when the news of the Gulf War broke in Eastern Europe . An American friend happened to be visiting Michael, who was a field missionary at the time. Hearing the news, the friend immediately bought a ticket straight home to America . While Michael drove him to the airport, he kept repeating, "Wait until everyone at home hears about this! Praise the Lord I'm getting out in time! What a narrow escape!" Finally, Michael gave his friend a gentle reminder that the missionaries weren't going home-they were staying to weather the storm, and they were praising the Lord not because they were leaving, but because they trusted in His protection.

American churches and citizens are gradually realizing that their missionaries may be safer where they live than they would be if they came home. New York City and Washington , D.C. are blood-spattered from terrorist attacks. Major American cities once considered impervious now recognize their vulnerability to terrorism.

In restricted countries, under communist or Muslim governments, there is virtually no crime. Criminals are eliminated or neutralized. Missionary women may be safer from crime on the streets of these cities than in their hometown in the U.S. These governments try hard to protect foreigners and avoid international incidents.

Of course, in developing countries of the "free world," foreigners are often targeted for robberies, and missionary homes are vulnerable to break-ins. In militant Muslim societies, Americans are increasingly looked upon with disfavor or worse. We are not naive about those risks, and we advise our missionaries to act prudently.

The ABWE constituency should be assured that we are concerned about the well-being of our missionaries. Many of us in the Home Office have served "in the trenches" of missionary service for many years. Missionary administrators spend considerable time "on the front line" beside field personnel. We are aware of the risks and have ourselves faced the lion.

In the past, Americans enjoyed protection and privileges unknown in the "real world" beyond our shores. That brief chapter may be closing, but Christ will still keep His promise to build His Church despite the "gates of hell." We bear a small but vital part in His victorious plan to be exalted among the nations.