This is hard...

This post was written by Missionary Simeon Glende. He serves with his wife Reyah in Davao City, Philippines. Simeon speaks honestly about the difficulties of mission work. By many metrics, Simeon's ministry is a success. He is serving on a robust mission team, gathering friends around the Bible, and discipling those closest to him. And yet, ministry can be hard.

Let me start here: I am very certain that God wants me to serve him here in the Philippines, and I thank him for the opportunity. He's given me my dream job — simply put, to proclaim the name of Jesus. And I'm thankful for the place I get to live, where I've learned so much from the people around me and where I feel so supported by others.

But sometimes... this ministry is hard.

I want to say “Jesus loves you!” and everyone responds by clapping their hands and saying, “Amen!” But it's hard to warn my friend about a sin I see creeping into his life, or to tell someone how the Bible completely contradicts their view of the world or their actions. It can be easy for me to make new relationships, but it is harder for me to tell that person whom I love and respect that they are a sinner and have some things they need to reconcile before God. It can be easy when I can see God’s clear guidance, but it's harder when I wonder, “How is God using me?”

In these moments, here is my prayer:

Lord, you have brought me here. Now lead me to the people whom you want me to serve. Although I’m not great, use me to make your name known. Thank you for letting me join you on your mission and for sticking by me. Let me continue to trust you through the challenges and make your name known in this place! Amen.

Pictured: Simeon Glende (middle) with his wife Reyah (forefront)