War is a constant possibility in much of the world. When working overseas, “Sent Ones” are sometimes caught up in regional conflicts, yet war is not necessarily detrimental to ministry. “Sent Ones” are usually living their lives embedded with local nationals, and despite the uncertainties and destruction of war, many unique opportunities arise. Here are six ways ministry opportunities can expand during times of war:
One: New Conversations are Initiated
While facing trauma and fatality, people are more open to discuss their thoughts and feelings. In this context, we can share the truth of Scripture through God’s promises. This may serve as a pre-evangelism tool, if the culture is resistant to the Gospel. Chatting with neighbours about deployed family members, whether a son, daughter, husband or even grandchild, draws us together and opens hearts. If asked with genuine interest, supporting one another is a great comfort fostering deeper conversations about God.
Two: World Views are Scrutinized
War often stimulates people to rethink their world view, leading them to consider departing from atheism, or from an established religion, as they seek a deeper connection to God. Through suffering and desperation, they may rethink their position. Conversely, it may also entrench people in their ideology. Weighing the causes of evil and violence may compel a person to examine their place and value in the world. Sometimes, it forces a re-evaluation to a more consistent position on truth.
Three: Personal Bonds are Created
Because of instability and loss of control, deep bonds are created with nationals. To embed ourselves during physical attack and danger is unlike any other relationship. Staying on the field shows our commitment and determination to emphasize the seriousness of life and death, and what it means spiritually for eternity. While our national partners probably won’t thank us for staying, they would notice if we left. Remaining hopefully gives credibility for long term influence. Most certainly, this kind of work is an investment for our heavenly reward.
Four: Spiritual Gifts are Stimulated
War stimulates the spiritual gifts of believers, making strong leaders of character. For months now, many pastors have been deployed to fight, and some of our best young people have been serving for months. Yet, our local congregations need to carry on their weekly ministries. In most cases attendances have increased, with a greater need for leadership. Unexpectedly, this causes people to flex themselves into new roles to serve the church, with the potential of a new generation of strong leadership. People are now teaching, preaching, administrating, and serving for the first time! This wonderful change demonstrates the internal safety of the local church, where people can hone their giftedness, being discipled from inexperience to competency, through practice.
Five: Offering Help
During times of war, humanitarian needs usually arise. In helping to fulfill these needs, we clearly see the long-term practicality of establishing local churches. When we first arrived here many years ago, we committed ourselves to initiating new congregations. We saw this concept as biblical, modeled by Paul, Barnabas and Timothy. We expected that this approach would be unpopular among the general public, and we were correct. But we persevered in our strategy to help plant several national congregations. Incidentally, many of these were planted during a war! Decades later, these local churches have grown, and now have the resources and reputation to assist people in practical ways. This is an expression of the local church function of “caring.” The churches have a long-term influence, and people trust them. Since the administrative structure is already in place, there are no overhead costs. The resources go straight to those in need and is people-dependent rather on infrastructure-dependent. Indeed, the “caring” of humanitarian aid through the local church body in this manner is so efficient, influential, and effective.
Six: Designating Compassionate Aid
For us, compassionate aid has not been a major part of our ministry, until recently. We do not put any conditions on people when we assist them practically, but we make sure they know we are doing it in the love of Jesus. When the nation mobilized for a protracted conflict, we realized this was a new day, with new needs. People began to send funds to help with compassionate aid. It has been a steep learning curve for us, in a first-world country, but it has been rewarding to provide food, clothing, shelter and lodging for thousands of displaced people.
No one wishes for war. In fact, we pray for peace. But it is written that there is a time for war, and a time for peace. When conflict comes, in the midst of the suffering and loss, may we also be alert to the opportunities presented to us. And may God give wisdom to make the ongoing limitations into an augmentation– both spiritually, and physically.
By: David S ~ Mediterranean
