"He must increase, but I must decrease."
By a SEND missionary in Europe
Someone recently told me that to become a missionary, you simply have to be stubborn. Otherwise, you'd never make it to the field. Now, I like to think of myself as incredibly humble – perhaps even the most humble person you’ll ever meet. But I can't deny there’s a grain of truth in that statement. Stubbornness probably played a significant role in my wife and me actually making it here.
Back home, I was involved in several ministries. And, not to brag (because, remember, humility is my strong suit), I was pretty good at them! My success relied heavily on my ability to communicate effectively with people. Here? Well, that's a different story. Theological conversations, Bible studies, singing worship songs in church – even something as simple as ordering cookies (we tried for six, ended up with six cakes; not the worst outcome, but still!) – are all hindered by our current inability to understand and be understood.
Fortunately, thanks to my potent combination of stubbornness and humility, language learning is going great! (Mostly.)
When Your "Skills" Don't Translate
Still, there’s this nagging feeling that the skills and talents I had in the States simply might not translate to life here. Will my ministry be as successful? Will I inspire people with my words or enlighten the masses with my intellectual prowess? Will my humor land in this foreign language the way I sincerely hope it's landing with you right now in English?
I was wrestling with these questions when I recently read John chapter 3, and a stark contrast between two characters really jumped out at me.
Nicodemus vs. John the Baptist: A Tale of Two Approaches
Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the cover of night, admitting that he (and presumably other Pharisees) believe Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that everyone must be "born again" to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and Jesus points out that if Nicodemus can't grasp earthly things, how will he understand heavenly ones? Nicodemus seems concerned about his status as a Pharisee. He comes to Jesus in secret and appears hesitant to support Jesus' rise if it means losing influence himself.
Later in the chapter, John the Baptist and Jesus are both baptizing in the Jordan River. John's disciples are concerned that Jesus is "stealing his thunder." But John, in broad daylight and in front of his disciples, acknowledges Jesus. He tells a parable, openly rejoicing in Jesus' coming. Then he declares those powerful, humbling words: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
The Humbling Reality of "Decreasing"
Coming to this new country, many of our once-familiar skills and abilities feel like they've been stripped away. But in some ways, I'm genuinely thankful for that. Needing help to write a simple letter or not knowing how to ask for toilet paper in a public restroom is incredibly humbling.
It’s a constant, gentle reminder that it’s not about me. I’m not here because I'm more skilled, more righteous, or more capable than anyone else. I am here so that Jesus may increase.
And in order for that to happen, I must decrease.
May we truly rejoice in that humility.
Why Language and Culture Matter in Missions
Language learning and cultural adjustment aren’t just checkboxes for missionaries. They are vital to building meaningful, lasting relationships. These efforts require time, humility, and perseverance, but they make it possible for the gospel to be shared in ways that are not only understood but deeply felt. Because of our generous supporters, missionaries can invest the time needed to listen well, build trust, and communicate God’s love in ways that resonate with hearts across cultures.
Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the cover of night, admitting that he (and presumably other Pharisees) believe Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that everyone must be "born again" to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and Jesus points out that if Nicodemus can't grasp earthly things, how will he understand heavenly ones? Nicodemus seems concerned about his status as a Pharisee. He comes to Jesus in secret and appears hesitant to support Jesus' rise if it means losing influence himself.
Later in the chapter, John the Baptist and Jesus are both baptizing in the Jordan River. John's disciples are concerned that Jesus is "stealing his thunder." But John, in broad daylight and in front of his disciples, acknowledges Jesus. He tells a parable, openly rejoicing in Jesus' coming. Then he declares those powerful, humbling words: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
The Humbling Reality of "Decreasing"
Coming to this new country, many of our once-familiar skills and abilities feel like they've been stripped away. But in some ways, I'm genuinely thankful for that. Needing help to write a simple letter or not knowing how to ask for toilet paper in a public restroom is incredibly humbling.
It’s a constant, gentle reminder that it’s not about me. I’m not here because I'm more skilled, more righteous, or more capable than anyone else. I am here so that Jesus may increase.
And in order for that to happen, I must decrease.
May we truly rejoice in that humility.
Why Language and Culture Matter in Missions
Language learning and cultural adjustment aren’t just checkboxes for missionaries. They are vital to building meaningful, lasting relationships. These efforts require time, humility, and perseverance, but they make it possible for the gospel to be shared in ways that are not only understood but deeply felt. Because of our generous supporters, missionaries can invest the time needed to listen well, build trust, and communicate God’s love in ways that resonate with hearts across cultures.
Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
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