A brief glimpse into the “Irregular Regular Lives of Missionaries…”

As this gets published to the online world, I (Dan) have just arrived into the US. Alone. Christy and Sofie will join me in a handful of weeks.

This begins our Home Ministry Assignment. And also, our Totalization, a process whereby we are required to leave Hungary for atleast 6 consecutive months every 4 years.

In a lot of ways, the above sentences encapsulate the regular life of a missionary, which is also wholly irregular!

Often we are asked by supporters: “What is a normal week like for you?”

What a normal, good question. But also what a laughable thought.

We have no normal week. ;-)

As an example, one week ago, we were leaving northern Italy (after spending time with our church in Arco), and flying directly to Madrid, Spain (to spend time with our church in Madrid, En Mi Lugar). In one week, I will be in North Carolina and Virginia.

There are a lot of great joys with the job of being a missionary. It’s wonderful to get to travel widely and see new places. It’s wonderful to spend our lives relationally, pouring into dear friends new and old.

But it’s also complicated.

Case in point: Why am I coming to the States solo, with my family joining me later?

Because we have a daughter who will be starting high school in the fall. And by my leaving now, my 6-month clock will allow me to return with Sofie for a relatively seamless transition to high school.

Being away from one’s home for 6 months is not a small feat, either. There are loads of preparatory things that must be accomplished. What about those houseplants? Mail? Bills? Etc.

As a point of comparison, my parents have not been away from their house for more than 2 weeks. Since 1985!!!

And yet, this is a regular activity for missionaries.

For some it’s even more complicated than it is for us. Maybe they have a longer time they are required to be away. Or multiple children. Or the local ministry activities are less easy for them to step away from.

Irregular regular missionaries live in a world of constant transitions and adaptations.

We, as always, are indebted to so many of you who sacrifice your time and finances to enable us to serve in the roles we are called to. We are indebted to so many of you who pray unceasingly on our behalf.

Thank you for allowing us to regularly serve in an irregular manner. :-)

NextGen

The landscape of ministry in Europe and the Middle East could easily be compared to a journey into the Swiss or Italian Alps – navigating switchbacks with the uncertainty of exactly what lies ahead, driving in low gear to make it up the steep inclines, giving thanks for the slow upward progress. But if the conditions are right and all comes together as it should, the white-knuckled intensity of the ascent rewards the traveler with breathtaking views at the top.  

Another appropriate ministry comparison might be found in the excitement of a journey through the streets of downtown Cairo, Egypt – horns honking as a signal to the other drivers (who needs a turn signal anyway?), pedestrians crossing like characters in the old frogger game, vehicles traveling at night with no headlights on to illuminate the road ahead, "travel lanes" being completely disregarded. The stress and excitement of this version of the journey stands in stark contrast to the peace, joy, and warmth found along the way, in the hospitable presence of an Egyptian brother or sister in Christ.  

The journey is sometimes stressful, lonely, slow, uncertain, chaotic....but when it's done with faithful intentionality and in community with God and with others, the reward in great.  

The reality is that Christians in the Europe and Middle East region are part of a minority group. Most often, resources are lacking. Opportunities to connect with likeminded believers are few and far between. Some days it's hard not to feel like a small fish making its way through a vast ocean. But despite the difficulty, uncertainty, and loneliness, God is doing great things throughout Europe and the Middle East. This continues to make the hard work worth it!  

One of the ways our Three Worlds team is able to take part in the work of the local Church is through the NextGen Project. This is one tool we have to partner in the fruitful, meaningful work being done by young and emerging leaders in the region. The NextGen Project isn’t just another ministry initiative or short-term program, but a strategic, hope-filled investment in the future of the Church across Europe and the Middle East, a region that continues to weather profound spiritual, cultural, and social change. 

At its core, the NextGen Project exists to empower local leaders. These are men and women who are already serving faithfully in their local contexts but who sometimes lack access to training, networks, and resources that many take for granted. Our team's vision compels us to see faith communities transforming lives and inspiring hope in places where the Church can feel isolated, under-resourced, or discouraged. 

The project doesn’t focus on just one aspect of ministry. It supports a wide ecosystem of formation and care.  

• Creating Connection: Many leaders across Europe and the Middle East serve in isolation. The NextGen Project creates opportunities for them to connect with one another and with the broader Church of God movement through local and regional conferences and seminars. These relationships foster encouragement, accountability, and shared vision. We work hard to remind people that they are not alone! 

• Fostering Innovation: Through a variety of initiatives, young leaders are encouraged to engage their local communities with the Gospel in ways that are culturally sensitive, creative, and innovative. In a region where traditional methods may no longer connect with people, this kind of adaptability is essential. 

• Resourcing Leaders: NextGen supports strategic travel, which may sound secondary at first, but is actually transformative. Being present across borders, cultures, and contexts builds unity and a shared mission. It allows leaders to learn from one another firsthand and strengthens the regional Church in ways that digital communication simply can’t replace. 

• Caring for the Caregivers: Ministry in this region can be demanding, emotionally taxing, and spiritually heavy. Caring for the caregivers ensures sustainability and longevity, protecting those who have given their lives to serve. 

The NextGen Project is an investment with long-term impact, and our team is so thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside the Church in Europe and the Middle East to facilitate the great work they do! 

If you are interested in finding out more about this project or others, email us at nstatman@chog.org or read more by clicking here.