The #1 Risk Myth

Did you know that there are some common sentiments that are often quoted to missions workers that are unfounded myths?

In the book Facing Danger: A Guide Through Risk, Dr Anna Hampton (a pseudonym to protect her cross-cultural missions work in high-risk areas) unveils no less than sixteen common “risk myths” that are often stated to gospel workers in high risk situations.

What is the number one “Risk Myth”? You are never safer than when you are at the center of God’s will.

In debunking this myth, which most often has connotations that nothing bad will happen to you if you are obedient, Dr Hampton gives us a more biblical expectation of those who are following God’s will: When called by God to unsafe places, we don’t let fear paralyze us because God is always with us (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 43).

One of the many ways to prepare and care for missionaries is to help them assess their risks, develop crisis management plans, develop personal resiliency, have a biblically-based theology of risk and suffering, and to care for them during and through their risk moments.

In Member Care we serve missionaries that work in areas that would not be considered “safe.” Many are living in high risk regions, war zones, places with a constant threat of physical danger, areas where gospel workers are unwelcome. And if it’s not political or religious dangers, they are faced with sporadic electricity and water availability, unsafe transportation and exposure to illness. They are witnesses and sometimes victims of violence, cruelty and corruption.

Here is a truth about risk:

The higher the risk, the greater the possibility of loss.

Sometimes you have done everything you can to mitigate or reduce risk, and bad things still happen. One of the ways that we help missionaries process the “bad things” that can happen even as they are obedient to God’s will is a process called debriefing.

Gaining clarity from an experience, to learn and grow, can also bring out another truth about risk:

The higher the risk, the greater the possibility of gain.

Jesus never promised safety. He did promise treasure; he promised himself.

“When called by God to unsafe places, we don’t let fear paralyze us because God is always with us.” - Dr Anna Hampton, Facing Danger