[3 minute read]

By the end of 2024, we found ourselves at a crossroads, tired, frustrated, confused, and isolated, wrestling with the question: "God, what are You doing?" Sensing His approval, we began desperately reaching out to the Body of Christ for guidance. We connected with anyone who was willing to speak with us, and after much research and a pivotal phone call with a wonderful mission organization, we faced an unexpected reality: we didn't meet the qualifications to be partnered with a traditional sending organization.

We were willing to undertake the necessary steps to qualify—a journey that would have meant leaving our field of ministry, living in America for a couple of years, undergoing specific training, fundraising anew, and then being sent back out. The challenge was that God was clearly calling us to remain in our country of service, a directive that didn't align with the organizational requirements. How could this be? After 14 years of frontline mission work, we certainly felt seasoned. Yet, the established criteria of traditional sending organizations, while valuable for many, didn't align with the unique path God had led us on both individually and as a couple. It was perplexing to realize we didn't meet the standard requirements, even for new missionaries, and it underscored that our journey was indeed distinct.

Desperately seeking God for answers and a solution, He faithfully began to unveil His greater purpose. The Lord opened our eyes to see the seemingly disconnected pieces of our lives come together like a divine puzzle. Suddenly, our spirits were revived by a profound vision: a church with a specific ministry branch dedicated to serving and sending independent missionaries.

Memories of interactions God had used us in began flooding our minds. We want to emphasize that we deeply value the vital work of the church and traditional mission sending organizations; they play an indispensable role in the Great Commission. Our desire is to add our unique perspective alongside currently established churches and organizations, supporting a segment of missionaries who often fall outside conventional structures. We recalled the diverse, and often complex situations we had been called to minister in throughout the years. We were reminded of fellow missionaries’ stories of struggling with organizational rigidity, feeling unheard or misunderstood by their sending agencies, or facing pressure to leave the field against what they believed was God's will. We remembered witnessing unique spiritual battles and challenging ministry contexts that required discernment and a different kind of support.

It clicked. Just as David was trained in the fields, wrestling the bear and the lion before facing Goliath, God had been equipping us to navigate and minister in intricate, complicated situations. We loved serving in those challenging contexts, and now, God was calling us to expand that very capacity. All of this came to a head as we realized God has been preparing us, as ministers, to found Eternal King Ministries—a church with a dedicated ministry branch to support missionaries. We hope to assist a diverse range of missionaries, including those who are independent, those who cannot work with a traditional sending organization, and those dealing with issues outside their organization’s scope. Our prayer is that we can work with them to resolve any unique challenges that may arise.

Read Part 3 next to discover how this expanded burden began to take shape into a tangible vision for Eternal King Ministries. As we prepare to share more, we welcome your prayers and questions. You can always reach us at hello@eternalking.org