The role of our stories in member care

When I first came to Japan as a missionary in the 1990s, I was overly concerned about what our supporters thought of me. I felt the pressure to succeed and to tell encouraging stories of fruitful ministry in our prayer letters and thought that such stories were needed in order to convince our supporters that they were not wasting their finances by investing in our ministry.

But the reality is that we live in a world where both good and bad things happen to everyone, including missionaries. We experience this in every aspect of our life: personal, spiritual, family, health, and missionary work. No one can avoid difficulties or hard times. The struggles are real. However, working through these struggles can give us new perspectives and attitudes about life and ministry in Japan.

Sharing our stories, both good and bad, provides us with opportunities to obey the various “one another” commands we find in the Scriptures. These will not only benefit those around us but will also serve as a form of member care for our fellow missionaries.

Here are some thoughts of how our stories can lead us to live out the “one anothers.”

Love one another

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Rom. 12:10 NIV).

The sharing of our personal stories of struggle can be one way that we show love towards our fellow missionary. Communicating our own difficulties expresses a kind of solidarity and compassion towards others. Because of our own experiences, we are now willing to lovingly walk with them.

Carry one another’s burdens

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2 NIV).

In the same way, when we share our story with another person, they can better relate to us through shared similar experiences. This allows us to walk with one another through hardship. When we understand the hurt, frustration, loss, and grief of others, we can share the burden through empathy, acceptance, understanding, and prayer.

Encourage one another

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11).

Sharing our personal stories can reassure and support others, especially when we share stories of God working in our lives in powerful ways with a positive outcome. This can give hope and encouragement to missionaries who may be struggling to see how God might work in their own situation. We all need encouragement to continue the kingdom work in Japan.

Offer humility to one another

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another” (1 Pet. 5:5).

Being honest in sharing our stories requires a willingness to be vulnerable. But in doing so, we open the door for more truthful communication and give others the permission to be their “real” selves as well. Whether we are interacting with a missionary peer or with those in leadership above us, we need the courage to set aside our pride. Humility is a biblical characteristic that produces both relational and ministerial fruit.

Pray for one another

“Pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

Offering prayer is a very simple way to administer member care to missionaries. As we take time to listen well to the stories of others, we gain insight into how to pray for others with wisdom and effectiveness.

Sharing our stories, both good and bad, can give hope to the missionaries we support. Let’s press on towards obeying the biblical “one anothers” so that we can bring comfort, love, and encouragement to missionaries across Japan, helping them to thrive in ministry long-term and lead fruitful lives.