Standing with Missionaries: Understanding Their Unique Challenges

At Practical Missions Cohort, we are passionate about supporting missionaries who carry the gospel to the unreached, planting biblical churches, and making disciples in spiritually resistant areas like Italy. In a recent sermon on 2 Corinthians 11:1, I explored the Apostle Paul’s heartfelt defense of his ministry and the unique obstacles missionaries face. Drawing from Paul’s words, “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!” we are reminded of the spiritual battles and sacrifices inherent in frontline gospel work. This post unpacks these insights to help us better understand and support missionaries in their vital mission.

Paul’s Plea: A Defense Born of Love

In 2 Corinthians 11:1, Paul uses sarcasm to urge the Corinthian church to “bear with” him as he defends his ministry against false “super-apostles” who slandered him and sowed discord. Rather than abandoning the Corinthians to their folly, Paul’s love for Christ’s bride compels him to confront their misguided thinking. His plea reflects the heart of a missionary who fights the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7) and refuses to give up, even when faced with rejection or slander. Sadly, many today are passive or even critical toward their local church, spending more time faulting her than caring for her. Paul’s example—loving the church not just with words but with persistent, sacrificial action—challenges us to see missionary work with fresh eyes and renewed commitment. Our missionaries share this same resolve, laboring tirelessly to advance the gospel despite opposition.

The Unique Challenges of Frontline Missionary Work

While all Christians navigate the trials of a fallen world, frontline missionaries face additional challenges orchestrated by the enemy to hinder the gospel’s advance. Drawing from Paul’s experience and other Scriptures, we see four key ways the evil one opposes missionary work:

I.) Preventing Missionaries from Going

In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Paul writes that Satan hindered his efforts to visit the Thessalonian church. Similarly, distractions, preoccupations, and disruptions often keep potential missionaries from reaching the field. Well-meaning opportunities—careers, family obligations, or other responsibilities—can divert even the most dedicated. PMc is committed to equipping aspiring missionaries to stay focused, helping them overcome these barriers through training and encouragement via The Italian Cohort and the Missions Academia.

II.) Hindering Fruitfulness

For those who reach the field, the enemy seeks to prevent fruitfulness through tribulations, trials, and relational challenges. In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas parted ways over a disagreement about John Mark, illustrating how disunity among teammates can disrupt the work. Missionaries also face discontent, cultural barriers, and personal hardships that test their resolve. Yet, as Paul later reconciled with John Mark (2 Timothy 4:11), God can use these trials to strengthen faith and purify ministry. Our missionaries need prayer to persevere and bear fruit despite these ever-present obstacles.

III.) Disrupting Gospel Proclamation

The enemy works to steal gospel seeds or create chaos to drown out the message. In Mark 4:14-15, Jesus describes how Satan snatches away the word before it can take root. In Acts 19:28-29, a riot incited by opponents of the gospel caused such chaos that the message was nearly silenced. Faithful frontline missionaries often face spiritual warfare, cultural resistance, or logistical challenges that threaten their work. Prayer before, during, and after their efforts is essential to counter these disruptions.

IV.) Attacking the Church’s Unity

Even after a church is planted, the enemy sends “fierce wolves” to sow discord and false teaching (Acts 20:29-30). Paul’s epistles, including 2 Corinthians, were largely written to address such threats to the church’s unity and purity. Missionaries must remain vigilant, protecting new believers from deception and fostering biblical community that builds up the body (Ephesians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:11) and fosters growth in grace (2 Peter 3:18). This ongoing battle underscores the need for discernment and steadfast commitment to the truth.

A Call to Stand Firm and Support

Paul’s sarcastic appeal to “bear with me in a little foolishness” highlights the Corinthians’ susceptibility to foolish reasoning—a reminder that we all need the accountability of a biblical church. As believers rub shoulders, we grow in grace (Ephesians 4:16) and sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17), safeguarding against deception (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Missionaries, however, face heightened spiritual attacks, making our support all the more critical. Paul’s exhortation to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11) and live as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) applies to both missionaries and those who partner with them. This call to stand firm inspires practical ways we can support our missionaries. Like Paul, we must reject passivity or criticism toward the church and instead strive to love her actively, contributing to her well-being with our time, resources, and prayers.

How You Can Partner with Missionaries

Understanding these challenges, we invite you to join us in supporting frontline missionaries through:

• Fervent Prayer: Pray for protection against spiritual opposition, strength in trials, unity among teams, and discernment to counter false teaching. Commit to praying regularly for specific missionaries and their needs.

• Generous Giving: Your support advances the gospel in Italy and plants biblical churches. Visit practicalmissions.org/donate to learn how to give.

• Active Encouragement: Send messages, connect virtually, or invite missionaries to share their stories when on furlough. Your encouragement can renew their strength.

• Ongoing Engagement: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and prayer requests, staying connected to the joys and challenges of the work in Italy.

A Renewed Commitment

Paul’s willingness to appear “foolish” for the sake of the gospel reflects his deep love for Christ and His church—a love demonstrated not just in words but in relentless action. Sadly, this stands in contrast to many today who are indifferent or critical toward the church, neglecting her care. PMc missionaries embody Paul’s sacrificial love, pressing on despite unique challenges to see the lost come to saving faith and churches established. As local churches and individual members stand with frontline missionaries, they participate in God’s mission to advance His kingdom. We encourage you to renew your commitment to pray, give, and encourage, actively loving the church and ensuring the missionaries you know and love are strengthened to keep on in their God-given labor.

For more information on how to partner with us, visit practicalmissions.org/partner. Together, let’s hold fast to the gospel and support those who carry it to the ends of the earth.

To hear more on 2 Corinthians 11, listen to this:

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Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort

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