Caring well for mission partners can make the difference between silent struggle that leads to early departure and the reassurance needed to continue faithfully in ministry. But what support is needed and who is best placed to provide it? How can agencies, sending churches and personal supporters offer meaningful care? And what would help mission partners communicate their needs with honesty and confidence?
Often, we first think of prayer, financial support, responding to prayer letters, occasional visits, or practical help during home assignment. These are vital. My husband and I were deeply encouraged by the generosity and thoughtfulness of those who supported us. Yet none of this prepared us for the emotional challenges we faced, challenges that went beyond practical support.
Facing the unexpected
During our nine years in Namibia, we dealt with insecurity over work permits, significant health issues, tearful phone goodbyes to a dying friend back home and repeated threats to our safety. We were mugged, threatened while walking the dog, had countless near head-on collisions on Namibia’s B1 highway and experienced surveillance on our phones and emails. Security checks for explosives in church were routine because the Prime Minister attended the service.
We also navigated cultural minefields. Namibia is home to many ethnic groups and still bears the deep scars of Apartheid. Our multinational missionary team brought richness but also tension. Namibia’s vast gap between rich and poor heightened our self-consciousness about everyday choices and fuelled guilt. Circumstances beyond our control forced us to change churches, a transition that felt like moving to another country altogether. The new congregation belonged to a different ethnic group and worshipped in another language.
Looking back, I am grateful for the support, friendships and experiences that shaped us. Yet despite this support, I still faced depression, isolation and spiritual numbness.
Why pastoral care matters
Our experience was far from unique. Valerie Rance’s research on missionary trauma shows that mission partners face more traumatic events than most people, alongside high stress from relational, spiritual and ministry pressures. Many lack the energy or headspace to reach out for help, thinking they are ‘not in crisis’, or feel they must be strong and endure. Daily responsibilities such as running a household, homeschooling, preaching, leading church groups and serving needy communities leave little room for self-reflection. Deep needs often go unnoticed until burnout sets in.
The gift of being truly heard
What I missed most while serving in Namibia was simply having someone who understood me: someone who listened without expectation or judgment, without wearing the hat of employer or supporting church, without needing protection from worry or the pressure to fix things. Someone present, offering perspective, compassion and understanding of our complex reality. Such people are rare but invaluable.
This realisation led me to take on a member care role with Crosslinks. Drawing on my counselling training and experience as a mission partner, I now offer confidential counselling and pastoral support alongside the care already provided by Crosslinks staff.
How you can help
You don’t need to be a trained counsellor to make a difference. Why not be the person who regularly checks in with your mission partner friend? Listen actively, seek to understand, offer presence and prayer. You can walk with them through a complex and challenging time for which there may be no advice or solution. Yet your presence can make the difference between silent suffering and being seen, between burnout and sustainability, and between leaving prematurely and perseverance to carry on.
This piece was originally published by Christian UK-news outlet Evangelicals Now, www.e-n.org.uk, and has been republished here with permission.