Life of a Christian Missionary – National Missionaries Bring Hope and Light
The life of a Christian missionary is fueled by a passion to share the Good News of Jesus. Psalm 96:1-3 says, “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” That is the heartbeat of Christian missionaries around the world, and they serve their communities in a variety of ways—physically, emotionally, and spiritually―as they share about God’s love.
Some missionaries travel around the world to serve in a foreign land, while others serve as national missionaries in their own country. At GFA World, we are honored to train and send out national missionaries to spread the Good News and bless communities in both Africa and Asia. Their impact is incredible. As Julian Lukins of InChrist Communications puts it:
“While Western workers often venture to far-flung places and do amazing things, it’s the unsung heroes of the frontline—the local, indigenous people—who consistently make the greatest impact and bring true transformation to their own communities …. National workers are the ‘new pioneers’ of the 21st century, and they’re proving to be an unstoppable compassion force.”[1]
The Center for the Study of Global Christianity reports that, globally, there were 430,000 foreign missionary workers in 2021, compared to 13.2 million national workers.[2] That means that those who are serving in their own country outnumber foreign workers 30 to 1.[3]
There are several advantages to the support of national missionaries that GFA World advocates:
- Few or no cultural barriers ― National missionaries can readily share in their own country because they are very familiar with the culture. Unlike their western counterparts, they don’t need to study the culture or learn the faux pas. They instinctively know those things because they were raised in that society and have often lived in the area in which they work. In the eyes of the community, the missionary doesn’t represent a different country or a strange religion. Instead, they are considered a member of the community.
- Language expertise ― National missionaries talk like their community, with the same accent and vocabulary. They don’t have to dedicate years to language learning; instead, they can jump right into ministry and communicate effectively. They understand more than basic vocabulary; they understand the nuances of the language and can quickly pick up similar dialects.
- Cost effectiveness ― National missionaries live simple lives, just like those they are serving. They eat the same food and wear the same type of clothing. Most national missionaries live off an average of $360 per month.
What does the ministry of modern-day Christian missionaries look like? What does the day-to-day life of a Christian missionary entail? It certainly depends on the area, but in GFA World’s ministry in Africa and Asia, we see these faithful servants consistently helping the people of their communities—both physically and spiritually. They pray for the sick, provide income-generating gifts to those who are living in poverty, clean up villages, establish programs that help parents provide an education for their children and, most importantly, share the Good News of Jesus and establish churches where there are none.
GFA missionary Iwan[4] is a great example of how a national missionary in Asia works to help his community. One day, the pastor heard a knock on his door and found Glin, a local man, wanting to sell him pork. The pastor was surprised to see him since the man’s family was hostile and had done everything possible to discourage the ministry of the pastor, spreading rumors and refusing to talk to him.
Pastor Iwan knew the man who stood at his door. Glin was destructive, drank too much alcohol, and caused trouble around the community and in his family. Even so, Pastor Iwan treated the man kindly and befriended him. Glin continued to visit Pastor Iwan. With the pastor’s guidance and support, Glin broke his alcohol addiction. His behavior began to improve. When his family found out he had been visiting the pastor, they weren’t happy. However, they couldn’t ignore the positive changes they were seeing in Glin.
Glin now lives peacefully in his community. He and his family have been greatly impacted by the ministry of the pastor and what they learned of God’s love for them. His parents have even decided to follow Christ and are attending church too. This is just one of millions of testimonies of Christian missionaries throughout the history of the church.
It takes an average of $360 per month to provide full support for a missionary through GFA World. For a monthly pledge of $30, you can join with others to sponsor the work of a national missionary. You can select from several men or women Christian missionaries, who are committed to serving their communities physically and spiritually. You will be partnering with these missionaries to make an eternal difference. A photo and personal information of the missionary you select will be sent to you, and you can pray regularly for him or her. You will also receive regional updates so you can stay informed about the ministry happening in the region your missionary serves.
We have the opportunity to change lives in Africa and Asia. Will you join us in fulfilling our mission?
Learn more about Christian missionaries who serve at GFA World
[1] Lukins, Julian. “National workers: Unstoppable compassion force.” August 19, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/missionary-work-by-national-workers.
[2] “Status of Global Christianity, 2021, in the Context of 1900–2050.” Center for the Study of Global Christianity. Accessed July 2021. https://www.gordonconwell.edu/center-for-global-christianity/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Status-of-Global-Christianity-2021.pdf.
[3] Lukins, Julian. “National workers: Unstoppable compassion force.” August 19, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/missionary-work-by-national-workers.
[4] “Faithful Service Yields Fruit in a Family.” GFA World. November 2024. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/faithful-service-yields-fruit-in-a-family.