When the Mission Field Feels Like a War Zone: A Reflection for Women Battling Grief, Loss, and Loneliness
Laura Longville
For many women in the mission field, the call to serve comes with a profound sense of purpose and a deep love for God’s people. But what happens when that calling begins to feel like a battlefield? When each day carries the weight of loss, grief, and overwhelming isolation?
There is a quiet, often unseen struggle that many women face in missions. While the stories shared at church may highlight breakthroughs and salvations, the reality on the ground is often far messier. Relationships fracture. Promising work stalls. Loved ones back home pass away. Trauma strikes the communities we serve. And through it all, there is often no space to grieve — just a constant push to “keep going.”
Grief in the mission field can take many forms: the death of a friend or team member, the cultural loss of your own sense of belonging, or the heartbreaking suffering of those you are trying to help. Add to that the spiritual pressure of wondering, “Am I doing enough?” — and it becomes a crushing load.
Loneliness compounds the weight. Being far from home, language barriers, and the emotional cost of cross-cultural work can leave you feeling unseen and emotionally adrift. Even within teams, it’s possible to feel misunderstood or spiritually disconnected.
And yet, so many global workers find themselves here. They need to be reassured that their pain matters. Their grief is valid. The mission field is not immune to suffering; in fact, it can often amplify it. But it is also a place where God draws close to the brokenhearted.
Many wonder if they are failing because they are tired or questioning. Jesus wept. He withdrew. He grieved. And still, He fulfilled His mission — not by always doing more, but by resting with the Father.
We hear story after story of women in this season of sorrow and fatigue. The Thrive Ministry retreats help women recognize they are not alone in the war zone. They are not forgotten. That their quiet faithfulness matters more than they know. And God sees them— not for what they produce, but for who they are: beloved, called, and held.