“They called [our team leader] David out to talk with them, and the rest of us quickly closed the clinic doors and went in to pray for wisdom and grace,” writes Deborah. “Their accusation was simple, if not entirely logical: “You took the rain away...you must come to a trial and we will decide what to do with you...”

Leaving behind friends and family for the uncertainty of a new language and strange customs can prove hard enough. Yet across Africa, many AIM missionaries sustain a legacy of risk; living and ministering in volatile areas where safety cannot be guaranteed. And they’re doing it on purpose.

Loren Fast, AIM’s Crisis Consultant, says the Mission places a high value on the calling of its missionaries, regardless of the location. But member care and safety are still top priorities. “We take seriously the admonition to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves,” he says.

So safety is a priority. But not the only, or even top priority. Commitment to African colleagues, disciples and unsaved friends is often proven in the crucible.

“If we can be there to assure believers who have no options, nowhere to turn, no one to protect them, no way to jump in a car and race to safety, then this is a powerful message,” says Fast. The ability to flee a dangerous situation is little justification for choosing to run.

“So we need to be wise in dangerous circumstances, but we also want to be effective messengers of God’s good news,” says Fast. “It is often through suffering or walking with those who are suffering that we are most effective in ministry.”

Deborah, along with the rest of her missionary teammates, is now back in the United States. Her team It is often through suffering or walking with those who are suffering that we are most effective in ministryserved just eight months of what was supposed to be a two-year project. After being threatened with death for stealing the rain – “Bring two bulls tomorrow to sacrifice, or you die!” said one elder – they decided to leave the village at nightfall.

“We walked 10 miles [to the airstrip] with only the light from the stars,” says Deborah. “We did not use our flash for fear of being seen by someone, and we did not talk.”

Shortly after the group left, one man from the community (a supposed rainmaker) was beaten and subsequently murdered for failing to produce rain. The community, amidst a terrible East African drought, was desperate.

“This is really hard,” writes team member Janette Hughes. “But we are all at peace with not going back. Pray for the Didinga people – that God will find a way to reach them, even if it is not through us.”