As frontline workers in the Great Commission, overseas missionaries have been sent to take the gospel to the nations. They do this in good times and difficult times. Amid this global pandemic, the work they do may look different, but it hasn’t stopped.

Many missionaries are still trying to minister amidst continual lockdowns in various parts of the world. The challenges we have experienced here in the States pale in comparison to those our missionaries face in various parts of the world.  In some countries, only one household member was allowed to go out once a week for one hour to purchase food and supplies. Other countries allowed men to go out one hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and women on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and no one on Sunday. Others were experiencing long curfews while some places did not allow children to leave their homes for more than 100 days. In the Middle East, several countries made it illegal to leave one’s home or apartment, even for exercise or groceries. Instead, the governments would bring food and water to their doors. Other countries closed their borders completely. There are still places where churches cannot meet in person for services.

Places like Australia saw citizens stuck outside and unable to return home. Many missionaries are unable to leave the field because, if they do, they can’t return. In New Zealand, the lockdowns have been very restrictive. One of our missionaries was unable to attend her father’s funeral because, if she left the country, she couldn’t get back to her family and ministry.

In addition, prospective missionaries ended up not going on survey trips which, for many, God uses to not only impress upon them His calling on their life to go as missionaries but also directs them to where He wants them to serve. Today, many are hesitant to go to the mission field because they are aware of the issues missionaries are facing – things like vaccine requirements, hostility towards Christians, and COVID restrictions that affect their ability to enter or remain on the field. As a result, many have chosen not to surrender.

Another concern is the quality of healthcare facilities; they aren’t always the best in some countries. Many of our missionaries have contracted COVID-19 and recovered. To date, five of our BBFI missionaries have passed away due to COVID-19 or complications from it.

We are facing a disease that has traveled farther and faster than any before in human history. The nations have universally responded with travel bans and lockdowns. One could argue that it’s time to wave the white flag and ask our missionaries to come home. As a matter of fact, a common topic of discussion among missionaries and numerous mission organizations is – Do missionaries stay or leave? In addition, expiring work permits, closed borders, and special health or family circumstances are causing some missionaries to grudgingly leave their fields of service.

Even so, we have faith that God’s mission will continue to advance, not despite these challenges but because of them. When Moses, as a baby, was placed in a basket for safety, or when Paul climbed into one to escape certain death, or when Mary and Joseph fled for Egypt, God’s mission was advanced, not thwarted.

In 2020 our missionaries reported the following victories. God IS still working!

• Professions of Faith – 61,848
• Leaders in Training – 26,131
• New Missions or Bible Studies – 680
• Churches Organized – 408

Missionaries who are stateside, as well as those who remain in their countries, continue to press forward with the gospel message. Most are engaging through online evangelism and discipleship. They are using every means possible to do ministry. COVID relief projects, focused primarily on food distribution and medical aid, are ongoing around the world. In Madagascar, our missionary could not use the internet to reach people because most don’t have access to it. However, they have been able to use the radio. Missionaries in Europe have online services. Their neighbors are now listening online and have been more friendly toward the missionary. Other missionaries are reaching hundreds from other countries who understand their language and are able to watch them online. Family members have been saved watching online services with church members. In some cases, missionaries are seeing more in the community attend online services than the number who would otherwise attend in-person services.

Pray for national pastors whose churches struggle with offerings as their members lose their jobs and income. Many don’t have very much to begin with or they depend primarily on government assistance. Quite a few national pastors have passed away due to the virus causing a void and there are few pastors to replace them.

The message of Jesus is the greatest news to share during this time in our country and world. It would be tragic if we did not take advantage of the times in which we live to reach all people. Those called must go. I believe that if someone is obeying God’s call, they will not be affected by a pandemic or anything else.

Here are five things we can all do for missions and missionaries during this pandemic and time of uncertainty.

1. Pray for more laborers to go. Now is the time to pray as Jesus said in Matthew 9:38.

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

2. Pray for your missionaries. With the harsh restrictions, trying to do ministry new ways, being stuck here with little hope of returning to their field, and so many other things, they can experience extreme discouragement. We need to pray that they will stay in the fight and not give up.

3. Communicate with your missionaries. Send them cards and emails. Do whatever you can to encourage them and the missionary kids (MKs). Youth groups can communicate with the MKs. There are many things you can do to encourage our missionaries.

4. Give a little extra to cover shortfalls in mission support. Now is the time to keep giving so that our missionaries may remain on the field. Now is the time for the church to renew their commitment to sending and supporting more career missionaries, recognizing their essential value in fulfilling the Great Commission.

5. Tell others about Jesus where you are. The light that shines farthest shines brightest at home. As missionaries go to speak to people from all people groups, we must do the same right here where we live. It doesn’t matter who your neighbor is – they need Jesus. This is God’s plan, and we must join with Him to bring all people to Christ. Now is the time – people are searching and we have the answer – Jesus Christ!

Our mission is the same, but the times provide a context of urgency that we must not overlook. It is certain that missions will persist and keep going because it is the heartbeat of God. A lot may have been cancelled due to Covid,

but the Great Commission has certainly not been cancelled.