The Strength in Vulnerability: Giving Global Workers Safe Spaces

As a Biblical counselor and debriefer, I’ve been blessed to walk alongside Christian global workers as they share their journeys—stories of faith, struggle, miracles, and hardship. Yet, one thing I often hear is, “I don’t know where I can truly share my story.”

Many global workers hesitate to speak openly because they fear being misunderstood, perceived as seeking attention, or misjudged for sharing their struggles. But creating space for these stories—both the good and the hard—is one of the most powerful ways we can support global workers...

Support and compassion are shared as a symbol of healing, reflecting the bond between global worker and their supporters.

The Paradox of Mission Life

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 capture the tension of ministry perfectly:

'We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. '

Ministry is full of paradoxes:

• Great joy alongside deep grief.

• Miraculous breakthroughs amidst ongoing struggles.

• Incredible unity in the face of profound loneliness.

Global Workers walk these paradoxes daily. For example:

• A worker may rejoice in seeing new believers baptized while mourning their children struggling to adjust to a new culture.

• A church may be planted in a rural village, yet the worker faces relentless spiritual warfare and personal doubts.

These realities are not separate but intertwined, showing God’s power and faithfulness

through our brokenness.

A Word to Global Workers

To every global worker reading this: your story matters. You carry a treasure—God’s light—within a fragile jar of clay. Sharing your story does not diminish your calling or make you appear weak. Instead, it reveals God’s strength through your struggles and invites others into the deeper work He is doing.

Don’t hide your challenges or feel you need to polish your testimony. Sharing the raw, authentic reality of your journey is an act of obedience and trust.

A Word to Donors and Supporters

To those who support global workers: be a safe listener. It can be tempting to focus only on the "wins" or to compare their stories to your own, but remember that ministry is filled with both joy and pain. By allowing space for your global worker to share openly, you offer them a priceless gift—validation, understanding, and encouragement.

Be ready to listen to the whole story:

• Rejoice in the victories.

• Pray through the challenges.

• Support them as they navigate the paradoxes of life and ministry.

The Importance of Safe Spaces

At Compass Asia, we are passionate about creating these spaces for global workers to share their stories. Whether it’s through debriefing, counseling, or simply offering a place of rest, we believe in the power of storytelling as a path to healing and renewal.

The act of sharing is more than communication; it’s an act of worship, reflecting God’s work in every season—good and hard.

Let’s create more opportunities for global workers to share their stories and experience God’s healing. Partner with us at Compass Asia to provide rest, renewal, and care for those serving around the world.