“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” — Max Lucado 

It can be hard to know how to support our missionary friends. We understand life on the mission field is challenging, but sometimes we aren’t quite sure how to help. Sure, you read their updates letters and emails, but isn’t there something more practical you can do? In this concern, we often overlook our most practical resource. The best way to support the missionaries we know is through prayer.

When it comes to praying for missionaries, what do we need to keep in mind? Personally, I benefit a lot by making a list that helps me to be specific and get less distracted. Dave and Irene Lewis, former missionaries with Ethnos360 and founders of Paracletos, INC., help answer these questions with a few ideas. 

Below is a suggested list of things to keep in mind during your prayers. 

Prayer Guide 

(MISSIONARY NAME/S)

• Relationships 
• Transition
• Encouragement
• Daily Struggles 
• Rest & Relief 

Be specific and be in touch with the missionaries you’re praying for. Once you’ve finished, it can be good to email them and let them know they have been in your prayers. 

Relationships

According to the Lewis’, there are three main reasons missionaries get burned out and tend to leave the field:  their relationship with God, their relationships with their co-workers, and their relationship with the people to whom they’re ministering.  

Something that’s easy to forget about our missionaries is their need for a strong relationship with the Lord. We focus so much on what they’re there to do that we forget that the atmosphere where they’re ministering is exhausting. Especially in cross-cultural missions, where their surroundings are completely different and they have to find a new normal. In this setting, relationships of any kind are easy to be put aside, neglected, and strained. A strong relationship with Christ is always necessary, especially when serving in another country. On the field, without the plethora of fellow believers, it’s easy to get deprived of the fellowship that we get in our church circles in America. In your prayers, pray specifically for the missionaries’ relationships with Christ and with each other as fellow believers. 

Remember to pray for the relationships between missionaries and their co-workers. The need for a healthy relationship between coworkers is part of what makes both of their ministries successful. Just like anybody living in close quarters with each other, tension will occasionally rise and cause issues so be in prayer for the families who deal with these stress issues. Keeping their family in mind, pray for husbands and wives, their children, and the singles on the field. 

And of course, keep in mind the relationships that the missionaries have with the people group they’re in. New culture and experiences can cause tension and confusion, both of which can bring negative impacts on the people involved. When said conflict arise, pray that the missionaries will be wise and gentle in the midst of it and for the patience required to handle the tough situations when they arrive. 

Transition

Three things Irene and Dave mentioned that missionaries need prayer for during transition are relationships, language learning, and cultural sensitivity. Irene talked about how we know how to live in America but life is different “there”, meaning out on the field. She said the more different, the more difficult. Everything changes, from climate to shopping to how you pay bills to who you can talk to. Needless to say, the transition from the states to overseas is extreme, as we are so used our own way of doing things. Being set on the “American way” makes handling different and new situations frustrating at the beginning. So in your prayers recognize the difficulty of the transitions they are facing, as they adjust to their new life. Finding a new normal is tough and prayer during that transition will be a huge encouragement.

Encouragement

Speaking of encouragement, that’s the next thing you can pray for. The feeling of isolation is a difficult burden for missionaries to bear. Aside from prayer, the Lewis’ mentioned that sending missionaries a text or an email to let them know you are thinking of them can be very encouraging. They suggest that you share what you have prayed for, specifically, and share a verse that God has recently used to encourage you. In addition to a text or an email, sending letters is also nice – handwritten notes show that you have taken the time to think of them and offer a personalized touch that gives extra comfort to those who are far from home. 

You can also ask them for specific prayer requests and let them “talk” instead of giving advice. Sometimes just listening to a missionary talk about their struggles can be a huge encouragement to them. Have open ears to hear what is going on in their lives on the field and what they’re struggling with. 

Daily Struggles

Pray for the daily struggles of missionaries. Day to day life as a missionary has its own challenges. Be praying for day-to-day language learning, cultural experiences, and relationships. Each day brings new challenges, some good and some bad – remember to be praying for the discouraging days and thanking God for the good days filled with progress. 

Rest & Relief

Being a missionary is not an easy task. There are so many contributing factors that contribute to exhaustion for missionaries: sickness, difficulties in relationships, various setbacks, and more. Pray for the restoration of their spirits. Being a missionary is draining and is often an overwhelming task. If breaks are not taken, it’s easy for the missionary to get worn out and leave the field prematurely. Obviously, the goal is to keep missionaries healthy on the field, so prayer for their relief and restoration is crucial.

The Impact of Prayer: A Story from the Mission Field

Thomas and Laura Scherer are Asia-Pacific missionaries with Ethnos360. They shared how prayer has impacted and encouraged them during their time serving on the field. 

“When people pray for our family and the work HE is doing here in Asia-Pacific, it gives me confidence knowing that God is with me in the work and in the doing, because the way I see it, God is the initiator. You see, God, knowing all my needs before I even know my needs, then moves in the hearts of His people to pray for me and the work here, so that He would hear these prayers, answer these prayers, then move on my behalf. 

“So if someone lets me know they’ve taken time to pray for our family and ministry here, it reminds and encourages me that God is actively working on my behalf and on the behalf of those He is bringing into His kingdom. How do I know He is working on my behalf? Because he has moved in His people’s hearts to intercede for me. 

“It’s almost as if His blessing or encouragement is twofold. One, I become a direct recipient of others answered prayers. Secondly, just the knowledge that people are praying causes me to be expectant of God’s blessing and favor in the midst of the work. 

“We are beyond grateful for our many co-laborers who have partnered with us in the work God is doing here in Asia-Pacific through their faithful prayers.” 

Why is Prayer for Missionaries So Important?   

Missionaries are ordinary people.  It’s easy to get the idea they are invincible Christians, without doubts or struggles. But the truth is that they’re just like you and me – there’s nothing about them that makes them a superior Christian. Missionaries are simply living out their relationship with God in a different language and culture, and that’s why it’s so important to pray for our missionaries. They struggle with the same things as we do here: sickness, stress, strained relationships, exhaustion, and so much more. All these negative factors can build-up and, for a missionary on the field, it can be a recipe for discouragement – sometimes so much so that missionaries decide to pack up and head home. Dave and Irene Lewis founded their ministry for that particular reason, and focus on giving rest to missionaries who need it through their non-profit organization: Paracletos. 

Paracletos 

“Over the course of our seven and a half years in Thailand, we watched 98 coworkers leave. Some for legitimate reasons, but most not. So depleted in their souls that spiritual suicide seemed like their only option.” -Dave and Irene Lewis, Paracletos, INC. 

Dave and Irene Lewis advocate for the need to relieve missionaries who are tired from the field. They emphasize the need for maintaining good spiritual health and recognize the need for relief in order to be refreshed. The Lewis’ are the faces behind Paracletos ministry, located in Aurora, Indiana. Paracletos is a ministry dedicated to caring for worn-out missionaries. Too often missionaries return home from the field before their job is completed. Together, they answered my questions on how best to pray for missionaries out on the field. 

Want to know more about missionary relief? Click here to learn more about Dave and Irene Lewis, and their mission. 

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When I was little, thunderstorms scared me. The flash of lightning, the roar of thunder, heavy rain, and the raging wind – I thought it was all terrifying, so I hid. Grabbing a blanket, I would pull it over my face and close my eyes. I hoped that if I hid from the storm it would go away. As I got older, a new storm, called depression came into my life. Even though I tried to hide from it, pulling a blanket over my head wouldn’t make it go away.

Everything felt dark – I would sit with my friends, surrounded by laughter and good company, and yet I felt nothing but isolation and hopelessness. I didn’t understand why I felt that way, and as a result, my mental health deteriorated. Sometimes I would hear people talk about how if I had “more of Jesus” all my problems would change. And that’s a common mindset in our day to day Christian lives: that Christians do not or should not get depressed if they’re walking with God. It raises the question, “Why would Christian get depressed if they have Jesus?”

What is the definition of depression?

Defining depression is a difficult task because it can be very different from person to person. Life with depression is something that I also struggle to define. To me, depression is that isolating, inexplicable feeling in my heart that, no matter what my circumstances are, does not go away. Think of it as a black hole. A black hole can form in many different ways, and each looks different. It’s the same way with depression.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines depression as the “state of being sad”. But that definition doesn’t provide any answers. For those of us who have had little to no experience with depression the mystery of it all increases. The National Institute for Mental Health provides a few examples of what symptoms of depression can be: persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies or activities, and other examples. They also mention that not everybody who is depressed experiences every symptom; some may only experience a few whereas others experience many. Clearly there is no formula to follow to explain depression. 

While there is no clear formula for depression, what is clear is that it can make us feel isolated.  It’s easy to get the impression that depression is unique to us. But the truth is many people suffer or have suffered from depression. But depression is not a new thing – cases of it date back over hundreds of years and are even recorded in the Bible. One of these examples is Elijah’s story in the Old Testament.

The Story of Elijah (1 Kings 18-19)

During Elijah’s time, the people of Israel were worshiping an idol called Baal. Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest. He dared them to see whose god could bring down fire from heaven for a sacrifice. The prophets of Baal accepted Elijah’s challenge and called on Baal to send fire down from heaven, but nothing happened. When it was Elijah’s turn, he simply prayed and fire came down and burned up both the sacrifice and the altar. After this, Elijah had all the prophets of Baal killed.

This didn’t sit well with the people of Israel, specifically Queen Jezebel. When King Ahab informed her of what Elijah had done, she became enraged and sent death threats to Elijah. Elijah, informed of her plans, left his servant behind and fled the scene to hide in the wilderness. When he arrived, Elijah sat down under a broom tree and asked for death. “It is enough now, O Lord,” he said. “Take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Exhausted, Elijah fell asleep only to wake up to an angel, who ministered to him by providing food and drink. The second time the angel came to visit, Elijah rose and went to Horeb, the mount of God.

Then Elijah came to a cave and sought lodging and the Lord came to him and asked him, “What are you doing here?” Elijah explained his woes to God and He listened. Elijah explains how he was the only prophet left and the people of Israel wanted him killed as well. He felt completely alone. After listening to Elijah, God commanded him to exit the cave because He was going to pass by him. Elijah obeyed and a series of events happened.

“… And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” (1 Kings 19:11b-12) 

God again asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?” and Elijah responds with the same answer as before. This time, God answers the discouraged prophet by giving him a call to action and to get back to work. He informs Elijah of seven thousand Israelites who have not yet bowed down to Baal. Elijah is in fact, not alone. 

Elijah’s story shows that depression is not unique to our generation. Even Christians, who are zealous for the Lord, get depressed too. Elijah was a man of God who was “doing everything right” and he was still subject to the grip of depression. His story exhibits the very real presence of God and how He continues to be present even in dark situations. Not only that, but God did not rebuke Elijah for hiding or being weak as a result of his depression. Instead, God was gracious and loving and sent an angel to help Elijah with food and water. God recognized Elijah’s needs and made sure that Elijah had what he needed to regain his strength. He met Elijah where he was at and helped him get enough strength to take the next step in his journey. In the words of Mike Sullivan, one of the teachers at Ethnos 360 Bible Institute, “God loves us just the way we are but He’s not content to leave us that way.” 

How Elijah’s Story Relates to Us

Elijah’s story demonstrates the very real effects of depression and how it can impact our lives. Elijah, terrified of his circumstances, sought isolation as comfort. We do the same thing today when it comes to our circumstances. It’s a natural human instinct to run away from whatever is scaring us. God isn’t surprised when our first reaction to pain is to run away, but He still wants us to run to Him instead. 

When Eljah ran away God pursued him and met him where he was. It’s easy today to assume that because we are followers of Christ we are immune to depression. However, God recognizes the real symptoms of our depression and understands our feelings. God does not condemn us for feeling depressed and so we should not condemn each other. Instead, we need to recognize the symptoms so we can encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

We Are Not Forsaken 

It’s easy for the doubting, depressed Christian to believe that God has forsaken them. We have the privilege to read Elijah’s story in hindsight. We have the privilege to know and see how God showed up for Elijah. From our point of view, it’s easy to say that Elijah had nothing to worry about. But in the moment it’s easier said than done. Spurgeon describes this situation by saying, “Nobody doubts that Elijah was a child of God; nobody questions the fact that God loved him even when he sat fainting under the juniper tree.” Zack Eswine, in his book, Spurgeon’s Sorrows, continues with this train of thought by saying that, “Even if we and Elijah have ‘cherished passions’ under that tree of which God ‘does not approve’ and Spurgeon continues by saying that, “The Lord did not forsake Elijah and He will not forsake you.” 

You Are NOT Alone 

So often we hear people talking about this light at the end of the tunnel. That phrase is usually used when someone is going through a rough time. Similarly, we use each other’s stories of depression to encourage one another to persevere. We have many stories of biblical heroes, such as Job, Elijah, King David, and even Jesus who have suffered depression at various amounts. But like Charles Spurgeon said, “You are not the first child of God who has been depressed or troubled. Even among the noblest of men and women who ever lived, there has been much of this kind of thing … Do not, therefore, think that you are quite alone in your sorrow.”

Hope & Where to Find It

After reading Elijah’s story it is relieving to know that even in the darkest of circumstances, the Lord met Elijah where he was and gave him comfort and rest. There was no condemnation for Elijah for running – only grace and the necessary love for him to keep going. God did not forsake Elijah in his time of need and so He doesn’t forsake us either. It’s easy to feel isolated from everyone and everything – especially God. But He is still faithful even when we are not. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” 

It’s easy to get lost in the storm of depression but there is hope. There are many websites you can visit or phone numbers you can call to reach out and find aid when you need it. Anthem of Hope is a great website you can go to find answers and receive further information. Ultimately, we can find our hope in the source of hope, in the One who created us.

How Elijah’s Story Has Helped Me 

I have dealt with depression for several years now. September 13, 2017, I sat outside writing in my journal. “I’m scared,” I wrote. “And saying something scares me more than falling back into my black hole of depression. Maybe it’s due to exhaustion, but I struggle with getting up in the morning. I’m here at EBI for a reason, and I know why I’m here. I know I’m loved by the King but for some stupid, stupid reason I keep thinking that it’s not enough.” 

It’s been two years since I wrote that in my journal. Now that I’m sitting on the outside of it, I can see how the Lord showed up for me. I was in Bible school, actively pursuing the Lord and I still fell into the arms of depression. Learning and reading about Elijah during this time helped me with perspective – that God was still present, regardless of how I felt. 

Just as God had not abandoned Elijah, God has not abandoned me. And if He hasn’t abandoned me, then He won’t abandon you either. We can take comfort in knowing that He is always with us – even in dark situations like depression. Our God is constantly gracious with us and loves us so deeply. Every time I scream into my pillow asking, “Where are you, God?” I can take comfort in knowing that He is right there, and sometimes I just need to be still and listen, for He Who promised is faithful. 

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