Faith in the Darkest Valleys
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A young couple* answered God's call to serve as cross-cultural missionaries. Leaving behind family, friends, language, and everything familiar, they traveled far from home to begin ministry in a new place. Though the journey was hard and the area was a difficult one due to persecution, they were full of joy because they knew they were following God's will.
About a year after arriving on the mission field, they received exciting news: they were expecting their first child. Their hearts overflowed with gratitude, and they looked forward to welcoming this precious gift from God.
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But their joy was suddenly interrupted when complications arose during the pregnancy. What began as a hopeful season quickly turned into one of great sorrow, and they eventually lost the baby. Far from home and surrounded by an unfamiliar culture, they felt overwhelmed and alone.
The husband watched helplessly as his wife endured both physical and emotional pain. During those difficult days, fear and grief filled their hearts. At times, he even questioned whether they should continue serving on the mission field.
Yet God did not abandon them.
Through the prayers of Nazarenes, the support of local church members, and the encouragement of ministry leaders who checked on them regularly, God reminded them that they were not alone. Even in their darkest moments, his presence was near.
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A week after returning from the hospital, the husband finally asked his wife what she wanted to do. He expected her to say it was time to leave the mission field.
Instead, she answered with remarkable faith:
"This happened to me once. Even if it happens ten more times, I will not ask you to leave the mission field. God has called us here, and we will continue serving him."
Those words renewed his strength. Through her faith, God reminded him of his calling and gave him the courage to keep moving forward.
As the years passed, they came to understand that God had been at work even through their pain. Their loss gave them a deeper compassion for others who were hurting. They found themselves able to comfort grieving families, especially those who had experienced the loss of a child, with understanding that could only come from personal experience.
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Today, they continue serving where God has called them. Along the way they have experienced both joy and sorrow, victories and challenges. Through every season, however, they have discovered one unchanging truth:
God is faithful.
Even in life's darkest valleys, he walks beside his children, strengthens them in their weakness, and transforms their deepest wounds into opportunities to bring comfort and hope to others.
*Names withheld for the protection of our missionaries
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- Pray that God will strengthen our missionaries spiritually, emotionally, and physically as they serve.
- Pray that God will open doors for church planting and disciple-making, even in areas where the situation is challenging.
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| - Praise God that Nazarene Global Missions believes in and invests in its missionaries and entrusts them with the privilege of serving.
- Praise God for Nazarenes around the world who faithfully stand with missionaries during difficult times by praying for, encouraging, and walking alongside them.
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NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
To read previous editions, click here.
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