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Missionary inspires and educates local churches to better follow the Great Commission by providing trusted resources to prepare them to send missionaries to peoples who have never heard of Christ.
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Glossary

Words are important, especially on the mission field. Use our glossary to gain a solid understanding of missions terminology.

Definition

Suffering

The problem of suffering is a common theme in the Christian life. This is reflected throughout in scripture, especially in the Psalms. While missionary labor can bring great joy, missionaries know that they are promised to encounter suffering in the field, sometimes of unusual and high intensity. Suffering is a constant theme in the lives of missionaries such as Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, John Paton, and many many others. Death, illness, poverty, persecution, and isolation characterize much of their ministries. However, even through these trials a Christian finds comfort in the steadfast love of God, singing with the Psalmist,

Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind! (Psalm 31:19)