Whether we walk out our door, climb up a ladder, or drive on the interstate, we all make daily choices involving different levels of risk. COVID-19 has introduced a new factor into the equation. Most of us follow the advice of Solomon: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself” (Proverbs 22:3).

 

Dangerous Vocations

Not everyone, however, has the luxury of hiding from danger. Some vocations are more dangerous than others. Military personnel, police officers, fire-fighters, and health care workers assume certain risks to serve the public.

Like anyone who is choosing a career, a missionary is faced with certain questions. What is more important than my personal life and safety? To what dangers will I expose my family? To help answer these questions, a prospective missionary has several resources: missionary biographies, biblical examples, and modern-day missionaries.

 

Learn from the Lives of Missionaries of the Past

Missionary biographies provide great material to challenge and inspire. Constrained by the Great Commission and buoyed by God’s promises, thousands of men and women and children hazarded their lives. Recall the captain’s warning and James Calvert’s brave retort, “You will lose your life and the life of those with you if you go among such savages.”[1] To which Calvert replied, “We died before we came here!” Classic biographies depicting the faith and courage of Hudson Taylor, Adoniram Judson, John Paton, and Mary Slessor inspire, convict, and encourage.

 

Learn from Biblical Examples

The Bible is also filled with stories of courage. Esther’s resolution, “If I perish, I perish,” is similar to the young men’s brave reply to the king when faced with the blazing furnace, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16–18).

David’s example is particularly enlightening. He faced danger numerous times, and yet he stood his ground, whether it was a lion or a bear or even a 9-foot seasoned warrior. What strikes me about the story of David and Goliath is that no one else was willing to step forward. What made David different than the experienced warriors in Israel? Was he simply being foolhardy? Was he looking for glory? No, David was moved with godly jealousy for the name of the Lord, He had unshakeable confidence in the Lord because he knew the Lord personally. God had helped him in the past, and David was confident that God would do so again against all odds.

It is interesting that even David wrestled with fight or flight decisions. In Goliath’s case, he stood his ground by God’s grace. But he also fled when pursued by Saul. David had no choice. Not only was Saul his father-in-law, he was also God’s anointed. At times David disappeared among the Moabites. At other times, he was secreted in the desert or concealed in a cave. Once, he even feigned madness in the presence of his enemies. No wonder his courage seemed to flag at times: “I am now going to perish one day by the hand of Saul.”

We conclude that the reaction to risk is two-sided. David fought the giant but fled from Saul. John Bunyan explores the question of fight or flight when he says: “Thou mayest do in this even as it is in thy heart. If it is in thy heart to fly, fly: if it be in thy heart to stand, stand. Anything but a denial of the truth. He that flies, has warrant to do so; he that stands, has warrant to do so. Yea, the same man may both fly and stand, as the call and working of God with his heart may be. Moses fled (Exodus 2:15); Moses stood (Hebrews 11:27). David fled (1 Samuel 19:12); David stood (24:8). Jeremiah fled (Jeremiah 37:11-12); Jeremiah stood (38:17). Christ withdrew himself (Luke 9:10); Christ stood (John 18:1-8). Paul fled (2 Corinthians 11:33); Paul stood (Acts 20:22-23).”[2]

 

But the Question is a Personal One

The question becomes very personal. What does God want ME to do? Before making a final decision, it is helpful to address the uncertainty. That often involves research or interviewing people on the field. The book of Proverbs admonishes us: “In the multitude of counselors, there is wisdom” (see Proverbs 11:14, 24:6, and 15:22).

Frightening and disturbing things do happen, and the likelihood is greater in certain mission fields. It is helpful to build a strong support group when preparing to serve in high-risk areas. While in Cameroon, we experienced a car hijacking and a home invasion by bandits. I was consoled in the knowledge that our supporters were praying for our safety, and the Lord did protect us from further harm. Insightful mission boards have established “member care” networks. We were particularly blessed when GFA sent members of the home office to visit us on the field.

Ultimately, fear is not “failure,” and nearly all missionaries face it. Although Paul boldly declared, “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself” (see Acts 20), he also entertained fears. The Lord addressed his concerns one night in a vision: “Do not be AFRAID, but go on speaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9).

 

Decisions May Differ But, "You Follow Me!"

So, what is the conclusion? Each missionary will need to reach his own conclusion, and that decision may differ from his contemporary. After building resilience through scriptural examples, biography, research, and prayer, the decision is a personal one – a “heart of hearts” understanding. The Lord chose one path for Peter and another for John. When Peter questioned Jesus, the reply was, “What is that to you? You follow me!”[3]