“I always assumed you wanted to be single,” said a member of my supporting church.
My brow crinkled. Does everyone assume this is my choice? I wondered.
Being a globetrotting field worker can be glamorous and exciting. But navigating transition, travel, foreign cultures, and new languages are also stressful experiences. And doing it without the daily support and encouragement of a committed partner has been the hardest part of my journey.
Of course, I thank God for all I’ve done as a single—much of which would’ve been much harder (or even impossible) with a spouse and children. I’ve had exciting experiences! And as far as most of my supporters can tell, I’m simply a happy, industrious, undistracted, dedicated single field worker.
But every day, I ask God the blessing of a spouse.
Do you know single missionaries? Are you aware of their desires and struggles? Sure, many are content as singles, but many of them struggle with contentment.
Let’s break the silence and create safe spaces for single workers to share honestly. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
- Ask sensitive questions, and then listen to them express their frustrations, hopes, and fears.
- Don’t offer platitudes like, “When you’re ready, God will provide you with a spouse.”
- Ask them how they’d like you to pray for them and support them.
On behalf of single workers around the world, thank you for taking the time to understand and support us!