After months of Bible studies, late-night conversations, and countless prayers, a young man I had discipled in the Middle East finally declared his faith in Christ. We celebrated with quiet joy, knowing the risks he faced in a Muslim-majority country. But a few months later, he drifted away. Fear, family pressure, and societal rejection pulled him back. He returned to his old life, and I was left heartbroken.
If you’ve served in missions, especially in the Middle East, you’ve likely faced this kind of disappointment. Seeing someone you’ve poured your heart into walk away from the faith can feel like a personal failure. But it isn’t.
1. Recognize It’s Not All on You
It’s easy to shoulder the blame when someone falls away. You replay conversations, wondering what you could have said or done differently. But remember, salvation is ultimately God’s work. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” We are called to be faithful, not to control outcomes.
2. Understand the Cost for Converts
In the Middle East, converting to Christianity isn’t just a spiritual decision—it’s a social, cultural, and sometimes political one. Converts often face intense pressure from family, friends, and their community. Some risk losing their jobs, homes, or even their lives. Understanding this helps temper our expectations and fosters compassion for their struggles.
3. Stay Committed to Prayer
Just because someone walks away doesn’t mean their story is over. I’ve seen people return to Christ years after initially falling away. The seed may be dormant, but it’s not dead. Keep praying. Trust that God is still at work in their hearts, even if you can’t see it.
4. Guard Your Own Heart
Disappointment can breed cynicism. After enough heartbreaks, it’s tempting to pull back emotionally, to “protect” yourself from future pain. But this isn’t the way of Christ. He calls us to love wholeheartedly, even when it hurts. Ask God to renew your passion and soften your heart.
5. Celebrate Faithfulness, Not Just Fruit
In missions, it’s easy to measure success by visible results—how many people came to faith, how many churches were planted. But God values faithfulness over numbers. Hebrews 11 lists heroes of the faith, many of whom never saw the fruit of their labor. Stay faithful in your calling, trusting that God sees and honors your work.
Final Thoughts
When converts fall away, it hurts. But their journey isn’t over, and neither is yours. Keep loving, keep praying, and keep trusting. Our faithfulness isn’t wasted, even when we can’t see the results. Remember, we serve a God who specializes in bringing prodigals home. Don’t give up hope—the story isn’t finished yet.
The Basin and Towel 