Overcoming fear in an overseas setting

If you have ever thought of people who go to serve overseas as fearless, I hope this story changes your mind!

My husband Kevin* and I recently arrived in Western Europe to serve as project coordinators. One of our co–workers in our new overseas home is now in the United States visiting his family, and while he is away, he asked the rest of the team to help with a children’s club that he runs with one of the local pastors.

Yesterday was my and Kevin’s day to help. Several hours before the club, I tried to talk Kevin into going by himself. We have been to the club once together, and that time I was overwhelmed and discouraged. I wasn’t able to understand the children when they spoke their language, and they were not able to understand me, and our game didn’t seem to go over well with the children.

Kevin and I talked through my concerns, and he never said that I had to go, but he also never said that it was all right if I stayed home. So I went with him, still totally freaked out and scared.

As soon as we got to the town hall, we saw a big group of kids running around outside. Though it had been several months since we last helped at the club, one of the girls from the group walked up to me and started talking to me. She remembered my name and started asking me questions in the local language (“Is that your car? Is that your husband? What’s his name?”). Miraculously, I was able to understand and answer her!

As the children filed inside the building to start the club, another little girl handed me a bouquet of flowers, including a daffodil that she had picked. She made a point of explaining what they were and what the names of the flowers were in the local language.

While Kevin helped with crowd control, I made “squash,” which is the local version of Kool–Aid, and handed out cookies. After playing some games, the pastor at the club talked about the real meaning of Easter. Although some of the children were not paying attention at all, two of the girls were asking very intelligent questions. I was able to relax and realize that God was helping me throughout the club.

The next day, as I was thinking about what happened at the club the day before, I realized some things about myself and the things I face in my new culture. Despite the fact that my husband and I sold our possessions, got on a plane and have been here almost a year (all of which may appear pretty fearless), I still get scared. I also realized that the voice telling me I’m not good at things or that a situation is too scary is not going to go away. I’m not sure if it’s even supposed to. This leaves me with a choice: either listen to that voice, or listen to the voice of my Father.

That day I was reminded of Acts 18:9: “And the Lord said to Paul, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you …’” When I push past the fear that I have from time to time, I’m able to see God at work.

As you think about overseas workers and your own involvement in missions, please pray about the challenges we all face that provide opportunities for us to listen to God’s voice, not the voice of fear. Pray that, no matter where we are in the world, we would all respond to those challenges in a way that glorifies God.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Posted by Rachel Jones* on Dec 1, 2008