Marriage and the family dynamic that comes with it is truly a gift from God. The Lord created us as male and female to be in relationship with one another (Gen. 1:27, 2:18). In fact, I echo what author Gary Thomas says, believing God designed marriage to make us HOLY rather than HAPPY. And I can think of no more significant place where this is keenly felt than a married missionary couple on the mission field doing life together with one another, a national church, and with others they are attempting to reach with the message of Jesus Christ.
Communication, then, becomes hugely important for those who are married on the field. Strength emotionally, mentally, and spiritually can certainly be traced to how effectively a couple talks to one another about ministry and life; specifically when attempting to raise a family while living in a foreign land. It is vital that couples on the mission field know we are diligently praying for their marriages to stay strong, firm, and steadfast (1 Pt. 5:10) as they continue to do mighty work for the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Thank You for giving our missionaries opportunities to pursue Christlikeness and holiness in the context of their marriage with each passing day. We pray that our married missionaries who get to talk to other unbelievers would see how strong and loving these marital relationships are and then desire to know more of why…which is due to the finished work of Christ on the cross. We ask You to keep these relationships strong through difficulties and successes, in season and out of season. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!
If your missionary is single, pray for their interpersonal relationships and friendships. Pray for divine appointments and opportunities to evangelize the lost. Pray that (YOUR MISSIONARY) would find joy in the 10,000 small moments of every single day. What a ministry opportunity (YOUR MISSIONARY) has to have undivided attention for ministry.
