Ultimately it is not about achievement or performance. It is about these workers staying close to God and sitting in His presence. It is about a growing communion with God where He leads them step-by-step into His purposes. 

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 NIV

PRAY that they focus on spending time in His presence, not on achievement or performance. May they be reminded that "apart from God, they can do nothing," and that "unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers build in vain." As 1 Corinthians warns, that they can do great things yet lose their soul if it's not done with true love for God.

[We need to pray that] Holy Spirit will give us a deep inner strength as we seek Him. After all, everything we do and think comes from what’s inside us. It’s extremely wise to ask God to strengthen us on the inside, so that we can know Him more and stand strong against every kind of attack. - Caitlyn

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV

PRAY for the strengthening of their inner being. 

A good devotional prayer to pray over them:  FELLOWSHIP with Holy Spirit

Missions come with many challenges, but the greatest is to keep one's focus on heavenly things. It's crucial for missionaries to stay connected to their calling ("the joy set before them") and maintain God's perspective to stay on track. Misunderstandings with the culture, local people, and other workers can take a toll on their minds, especially since they're ordinary people in unfamiliar territory.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 NIV

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God... since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator... Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:1-3,9-10,12-17 NIV

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2 NIV

"Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen... Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them... Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior." - 1 Timothy 2:8-10, 14-16 NLT

PRAY for a focus on things above—on ultimate things and not on temporal things.  Pray they would focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

Missionaries face complex issues, situations, and people. They need divine guidance and wisdom to make choices when underlying realities are not always clear or visible.

• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

• "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." - Psalm 32:8 NIV

• "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’" - Isaiah 30:21 NIV

• "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives." - Colossians 1:9 NIV

• "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." - Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV

PRAY for divine wisdom, insight, discernment, and revelation, so they can lead and act according to God's will.

To create a lasting movement that impacts the community and beyond, we must focus on raising disciples who will, in turn, make other disciples—disciple who makes other disciples.  

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." - 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

PRAY for the raising up of disciple makers—believers who follow Christ wholeheartedly and reproduce themselves by raising up more disciple makers.

Making Gospel inroads with unbelievers often requires the persistence and perseverance of believers over many years. Their faithful witness will eventually highlight the worthiness of Jesus. It's also crucial to seek Christ's guidance on how to share, minister, and disciple, as God has unique approaches tailored to the specific needs of each mission field and community.

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should." - Colossians 4:2-4 NLT

PRAY for a steady, consistent, and enduring witness that leads to Kingdom impact over time.

Missionaries often work with people facing both external and internal challenges. This ministry requires steadfast compassion, advocacy, and perseverance. It demands a clear sense of calling and the ability to endure without immediate rewards.

• “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:34-40 NIV

PRAY for a heart of compassion, advocacy, and perseverance in ministering to "the least, the last, and the lost."

Being away from family, friends, and their home church is a significant loss for overseas workers. They may lack a strong support system in their new country and may feel isolated at times. Initially, support may come from other overseas workers or from family and friends through Zoom, phone, text, emails, and letters. Over time, local believers and maturing disciples they’ve mentored may also provide support, though family and friends remain a crucial blessing. Ultimately, they will need God's comfort and reassurance as they face challenges, attacks, and potential betrayal in ever changing realities. They need to sense His ongoing and unfailing presence with them.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39 NIV

PRAY for the Lord’s presence to be tangible to them and for a new support system to form. 

Many people might think new missionaries start evangelizing immediately upon arrival, but they first need to focus on learning the language, often for the first 1-2 years. To fully immerse themselves, some may live with a local host family to improve their language and cultural skills. This intense learning can be mentally exhausting, as their brains work harder to understand and communicate in a new language. Even those who have been in the country for years may still struggle with communicating complex ideas and concepts. The language challenge remains a constant mental burden, though lessening over time.

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" - Isaiah 26:3 NLT

PRAY for daily grace in their language learning and for divine rest and recovery.

A common struggle is comparing oneself to other overseas workers. Each person is called by God for unique purposes, but some callings may seem more significant or impactful. This comparison can be troubling or distressing.

• "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." - 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

PRAY that they find peace with their unique calling and the impact they are making, even if it isn't immediately visible or measurable. Pray that they find contentment in God in every season.

Like us, these overseas workers face daily temptations, struggles, and weaknesses, which can be even more challenging in a foreign land without a strong support system and amid new cultural pressures. They also face spiritual attacks from the enemy who opposes the advancement of the Lord's work.

• "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” - Matthew 26:41 NLT

PRAY for strength to resist temptation, a spirit of purity, and divine help with every struggle they face. Pray for spiritual protection over their minds, hearts, and bodies. 

Overseas workers in nations where the Gospel has made little progress face significant challenges. In these countries, there is a risk of persecution, imprisonment, or even death for trying to convert locals to Christianity. Pray for divine strategies, discernment, and Spirit-led appointments. 

• "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 NLT

• "And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear... and I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die." - Philippians 1:12-14, 118c-20 NLT

PRAY for a divine conviction and courage in sharing the message of salvation and of the Kingdom of God. Also, pray that God brings them "Persons of Peace"—people prepared by Him who will welcome the messenger, embrace the Gospel, and share it with their family and friends.

Overseas workers will encounter significant challenges in their new country and are likely to face traumatic experiences due to the risky nature of their work. Additionally, as human beings, they may carry past wounds that continue to affect them.

• "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 NIV

• "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3 NIV

• "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1 NIV

• "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28 NIV

• "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble, with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

PRAY for emotional healing and recovery from trauma.