“Furlough (U.S. Assignment) has resulted in the greatest detriment to our ministry on the field,” said a veteran missionary reflecting on his many years of service.  He elaborated that during his absence changes were instituted that countered the goals that he was trying to achieve.

Because of that, some missionaries take shorter furloughs. But other missionaries do not have that flexibility.  Their children might be in a school on the field, studying in the local language.  When they come to North America, they need to switch to studying in English.  That requires an entire school year, and many tears…

Missionaries returning to the field are eager to see firsthand how the ministry has gone during their absence. Don & Lorraine Nickerson recently returned to their church planting ministry in Ishikawa, Japan.  They were encouraged to find the Noto Bible Church in good condition.  They also encountered a nine-year old boy who has professed salvation in Christ.  As is the case with many who make a profession of salvation, the boy needs more understanding and needs to be instructed.  But it is nevertheless an encouragement because In Japan, churches are very small and professions of faith come very slow!  (Photo of the Noto Bible Church)