A Life in Exile

I’ve made this confession in the past—I’m a newsaholic. It’s not that I leave it on 24/7, watch or read it constantly, but I do check the news headlines through selected outlets more than once during the day. As one who lived in the Middle East and North Africa for most of my years in service, I am watching what affects those I love in the region. Yet, I’m not limited to one country or region. I like to keep my eyes on what’s happening everywhere. These days, that’s not an easy task. A LOT is happening—everywhere!

Everything can change in a skinny minute.

Yes, I threw in “skinny minute” because I love that colloquialism, but basically, one of the lessons I learned in mission service relates to the fact that things can change at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s a coup, a natural disaster, or a war, missionaries caught in the middle of a crisis have to be able to think and act quickly. Many of us kept a “grab bag” which carried essentials for a quick exit. Cash was always at hand in case ATMs or banks shut down.

My husband and I knew about quick exits. Whether it was being given ten days to leave a country or having the Interior Ministry wanting him for questioning, there was always the reality that our time could end before we were finished with the task God had given us.

Being aware of the signs of change helps.

One reason I keep up with world news is to be prepared for potential crises affecting family or friends around the world. World events affect life in the United States as well, but I’m very aware that those closer to the fray will be the first to suffer. When on the field, I listened to and read local news, making sure I knew what was being said in my immediate environment. I also listened to other outlets which gave a different perspective on what might be happening where I lived. Outside views were often suppressed in-country, so it was helpful to gain access to other viewpoints.

I’m so old that I can admit to carrying a shortwave radio to West Africa and the Middle East. Through it, I could catch the BBC and other international stations to get news that was inaccessible at the time. I still have that radio!

All that to say it’s important to keep your eyes and ears open to what’s happening in your country, region, and the world.

Work while it is day.

At one point in our time in Syria, a dear colleague shared with a group of ex-pat workers that he believed the door was closing for our time serving there. That pronouncement brought us to our knees and also encouraged us to work diligently while we still could. In less than two years, all those workers were out of the country.

While some events lead to a permanent closure to an area of ministry or country of service, doors are sometimes closed for a season. At a later date, you or other workers may be able to return and serve. That is the unknown in such situations. Are we out forever or just for a while? Since we don’t know what the future will bring, we must work while we’re on the ground, using every moment available to do good in the name of Christ, sharing the message of hope and salvation. There is no guarantee for tomorrow.

Pray for the work to continue.

Even during the worst of times, when we had to quickly leave a country of service, I knew that God had not left that place. His Spirit was there and his people were there, some of whom we had led to the Lord and discipled. This is another reason I keep up on the news—it helps me to pray for those in places of conflict, crisis, war, or natural disaster. I know the Church of Christ suffers when the people of her land suffer, and I also know God uses the Body to minister to his glory during such times.

I have a lot to pray for in relation to the region of the world I love. These are hard days, but when I hear from those still on the ground there, I learn of the great things God is doing despite what we hear in the news. As long as a witness remains in the land there is hope. The light remains. We know from experience that it’s not the amount of light that dispels the darkness but that even the smallest light is opposite to darkness and pushes it out. This is the witness and power of God’s people throughout this world.

May we work and persevere in prayer as long as it is day—to his glory.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Mission Monday post, click HERE, or check out these posts on closed doors: When You Know It’s Time to Go, Working While You Can, and When Doors Close.