Myths about the mission field

Motor vehicles accidents are the leading cause of death on the mission field. Not kidnapping and murder, not during violent crime of robbery, not illness, not snake bites or lion attacks, and not political or religious uprisings. MVAs! That might point our prayers in another direction. Hmmm.


Another common misconception about missionaries is that they return home because the work was too hard, they failed to acclimate to the culture, they experienced burnout, they lacked finances or they just didn't see the fruits of their labors. The primary reason American missionaries return home from the mission field before finishing their term is because they were unable to resolve problems with their fellow missionaries on the field. Interpersonal relation problems! This sounds like a silly thing to have such an impact on the work God called them to do--but interpersonal relationships are what the enemy seems to target most when he sees that God's people are being effective.

"I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other." John 13:34, 35