The fourth commandment is “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Before God revealed the Ten Commandments, He established the principle of rest. Unlike humans, God doesn’t need rest because He doesn’t tire. However, He rested to set an example for us to follow. Later, when God gave the law, He reinforced this principle by commanding us to observe the Sabbath.
Studies have shown a disturbing trend: missionaries, ministry leaders, sojourners and even everyday believers are leaving the church due to isolation and emotional strain. The lack of dedicated discipleship and counseling support leaves many feeling unprepared and unsupported, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach to well-being.
43%
of Missionaries don’t fulfill their long-term commitment.
50%
of missionaries serve 5 years or less in the field.
71%
of Missionaries leave due to issues that could potentially be addressed with better support.
38-42%
of those in ministry consider leaving ministry altogether due to burnout, feeling under-equipped, or marital stress.
39%
of everyday Christians are not engaged in any form of discipleship.
50%
of those in ministry are over the age of 56, suggesting a potential wave of retirements.
37%
of Everyday Christians do not engage in discipling others because they feel ill-equipped or unqualified, contributing to the cycle of disengagement.
Those who dedicate their lives to ministry and missions often face immense emotional and spiritual strain. They pour their hearts and souls into serving others, facing challenges, witnessing suffering, and carrying the burdens of those they help. The life of a sojourner is a unique and often challenging experience. As we know firsthand, the call to leave behind familiar comforts and embark on a new journey requires immense sacrifice and resilience. These are travelers who are expected to return to their home after achieving their goals, this can be students, aid workers, widows, missionaries, diplomats, or executives.
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself…
~ Leviticus 19:33-34
Israel was expected to understand that the role of sojourner was a critical part of their identity, and they were not to forget it:
“Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”
~ Deut 10:19
Without a designated space for rest and reconnection with God, this relentless devotion can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and a weakening of their own faith. Creating a place of rest allows them to decompress, recharge their spiritual batteries, and find renewed clarity and strength in their relationship with God. This period of rejuvenation is essential for them to return to their ministry with a refreshed perspective, a deeper well of compassion, and a stronger connection to the divine source that guides and empowers their service.
Missionaries operate on the front lines of faith, often in challenging environments far from familiar comforts. While their dedication is unwavering, the emotional and spiritual toll can be immense. Studies are limited on missionary attrition specifically, but the high numbers considering leaving ministry paint a concerning picture. Imagine the constant exposure to hardship, cultural clashes, feelings of isolation, and the weight of responsibility for those they serve.
A dedicated space for rest and reconnection with God becomes a crucial sanctuary for the weary. Here, they can decompress from the relentless demands, recharge their spiritual batteries, and find renewed clarity and strength in their relationship with God. This period of rejuvenation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Without it, there are so many that risk succumbing to burnout and potentially abandoning their calling. This space becomes a lifeline, allowing them to return to their mission with a refreshed perspective, a deeper well of compassion, and a stronger connection to the divine source that guides and empowers their service.