MENU

From the Coordinator: Facing Spiritual Attack

By Lloyd Kim, Nov 19, 2019

God has richly blessed MTW’s kingdom-building work across the globe, and we rejoice and thank God for the great works He has done and is doing.

At the same time—I don’t think it is coincidental—we are experiencing what I believe is spiritual attack. We have had an unusual number of emergency medical evacuations, surgeries, and trips to the ER among our missionaries, staff, and even CMTW members in just the past few months. Painfully, too, we have also had missionaries expelled from their countries of service in the past few years.

Sometimes our missionaries have been forced to leave by a repressive or hostile government refusing to grant or renew their visas. Other times, they have been evacuated due to political unrest, war, or other active dangers. These expulsions have accelerated, corresponding with a rising tide of nationalism across the globe. I consider this, too, a spiritual attack.

What then must we do—as MTW, as the Church, and as individual Christians?

1. We must be creative.
Even when a foreign government makes it illegal or difficult to openly serve as a missionary, the Great Commission remains and we are still called to go. There is a growing need for businessmen, artists, and professionals of all sorts to take jobs or set up businesses in “closed countries.” Integrated into a country’s economy and workforce, they have a legitimate means of getting and staying in, and an incredible platform from which to minister and share the love of Christ.

2. We must be flexible.
When missionaries with years of hard-won language skills and cultural experience are forced to leave their country of service, they often return to the United States unsure of how to use these skills and questioning what has become of their calling. Can the church and PCA ministries stand ready to continue supporting these missionaries and help place them in new positions where their skill sets and passions can be put to work? For example, a missionary with a decade of experience in South Asia could be wonderfully effective serving in an American church plant located in a diverse neighborhood heavily populated by South Asian immigrants.

3. We must honor their sacrifice.
A number of our missionaries who had been expelled from their countries of service described the process as “a death.” As is related in “Kicked Out,” the cover story for the Fall/Winter issue of Network magazine, this process of being torn away from friends and calling can be devastating. We cannot downplay or gloss over this trauma. These missionaries have faithfully followed the Great Commission to the ends of the earth, and returned with honorable wounds, earned in service to the King. Honor them. Listen to them. Serve and empower them.

4. We must have courage.
In the face of persecution, trials, and tribulations, our call remains clear. Challenged, we must rise—not from our own strength, cunning, or works, but through Christ for Christ alone.

In all of this, we can still trust God’s sovereignty—and rejoice. His kingdom is coming. I trust you’ll see that in all of the stories we tell.

Lloyd Kim

Lloyd Kim is coordinator of Mission to the World. He is a former PCA pastor and a former missionary with MTW in the Philippines and Cambodia. He holds an M.Div. from Westminster Seminary in California and a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Lloyd and his wife, Eda, are the parents of Kaelyn, Christian, and Katy.

Please login to continue
Forgot your password?
Recover it here.
Don't have an account?
Create an Account
Sign Up for Free
Name
Email
Choose Password
Confirm Password

GET INVOLVED

Ministry Expanding in Asian Crescent—New Team Forming
Longer
Help Lay the Groundwork for Expanding Ministry
Summer Internships
Experience Life With a New Missionary Team
Summer Internships

A Church Plant Offers Hope for Brussels (VIDEO)

MTW missionary Julian Bacon shares his heart for Brussels and the process of planting a new church in a post-Christian city.

SEE MORE

6 Reminders for Singles Considering Global Missions

For singles, serving internationally may raise some unique concerns. We spoke to single missionaries who shared some encouragements.

SEE MORE

A Huddle of College Students Grows into a Flourishing Church in Sydney

Students from all over Australasia come to Sydney. Harbour City Church welcomes them as God reveals Himself through moments of grace.

SEE MORE

Pray for the new church plant in Belgium, Hope Church International of Brussels. Pray that God would draw many from this post-Christian city to Himself. 

DAY 30: Pray for MTW Thailand as they plant a new church in southern Bangkok.

DAY 29: Pray that those laboring for the sake of the gospel across the Arab world would find spiritual joy and rest.

Pray for single men and women who God is calling to serve in global missions. Pray that He would comfort their anxieties and prepare the way for them. 

DAY 28: Pray for the ongoing growth of Iglesia Presbyteriana Gracia Soberana in Tegucigalpa and formation of the national Presbyterian denomination in Honduras.

DAY 27: For the gospel of grace to outshine teaching on works and human efforts as the source of growth in Christ. Pray that it shine brightly across the Muslim world.

DAY 26: France: Pray for church planting efforts in both Paris and Toulouse. May these churches grow in number and exalt Jesus.

DAY 25: Pray for Muslims who are investigating the truths of Christ in the Bible to come to the conclusion that He is God.

DAY 24: Australasia: Pray for the vast region covering Australia, New Zealand, and many South Pacific Island nations, for gospel power and purity.

DAY 23: Ethiopia: Pray for Ethiopia ACT’s family advocates, who care for the physical and spiritual needs of families affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases.

SUBSCRIBE TO STORIES & MORE

Good news in your inbox, once per week.