Ministering During African Conflict: A Missionary’s Honest Take

I remember one election season in Ghana, the air thick with more than just dust. We were in a village outside Kumasi, and the political rhetoric had ratcheted up. Folks who had shared meals for years suddenly eyed each neighbors with suspicion, divided by colors painted on walls and flags. It wasn’t full-blown war, not like what you see on the news, but the tension was real. That’s when you really learn about ministering during African conflict – it’s not always about dodging bullets; sometimes it’s about navigating the quiet, simmering disputes that divide communities.

My wife Laura and I have seen firsthand how easily peace can fray. Things often seem calm on the surface, but underneath, old wounds or new grievances can bubble up. Our work of planting churches in West Africa means we don’t just preach on Sundays; we live among the people. We share in their joys and, yes, we share in their struggles. This kind of ministry demands more than just a good sermon; it demands a heart for people, even when those people are at odds with each other.

The Unseen Tensions: Understanding Conflict in Ministry

When most folks back home hear “African conflict,” they picture civil war or mass displacement. And those things happen, certainly. But often, the conflicts we encounter are much more localized, more personal. They might be land disputes between families that have festered for generations. They could be chieftaincy disputes, where rival factions claim authority. Or, as we experienced, they can be the sharp divides that come with political elections, splitting communities down party lines.

These aren’t abstract problems. They affect the people we love, the people we are trying to reach with the Gospel. A family feud can mean a new convert is ostracized. A political disagreement can prevent a church from getting land to build on. It means you have to keep your ears open and your heart sensitive. You have to learn the history of a place, the unspoken rules, and the deeply held loyalties.

I’ve learned that you can’t just ignore these things. Pretending everything is fine when it’s not is a quick way to lose trust. We’re called to be peacemakers, not just peace-observers. Sometimes, that means just listening. Other times, it means gently, prayerfully, pointing people to a higher authority than their tribal elder or their party leader. It means reminding them that their identity in Christ transcends any earthly division.

Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Power of Presence

The mission field does not reward drama. It rewards endurance. When you are ministering during African conflict, whether it’s loud or quiet, your simple, consistent presence speaks volumes. You show up again. You share meals again. You visit the sick again. You preach the Word again. You forgive again. This steady, faithful presence builds bridges across the divides that conflict creates.

It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of a situation, especially when things feel unstable. But I’ve found that true impact comes from long-term commitment. People need to know you are not just there for a quick fix or a dramatic conversion story. They need to see that you are invested in their lives, in their community, for the long haul. This commitment is often the quietest, most powerful testimony we have.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This verse has been a constant anchor for Laura and me. When tensions rise, or progress seems slow, it reminds us to keep pressing on. Our calling is to plant the seed, water it, and trust God for the increase. That means staying put, even when it’s uncomfortable, and continuing to do the good work He has called us to do.

Speaking Truth in Troubled Times: The Gospel’s Role

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate message of peace and reconciliation. When you’re ministering during African conflict, this truth becomes incredibly clear. The world offers temporary truces, political solutions, or uneasy compromises. But only Christ offers true peace, a peace that settles the heart and can even mend broken relationships between people.

We see this played out in the lives of individuals. I remember one brother in our church in Ghana, a man named Kwesi, who had been involved in a long-standing land dispute with a cousin. It was bitter. After he got saved, we studied the Sermon on the Mount together, particularly the part about forgiving those who wrong you. It wasn’t easy. He wrestled with it. But one day, he went to his cousin, not to argue, but to ask for forgiveness for his own part in the conflict and to offer reconciliation. That was so much fun to hear you tell.

That kind of transformation is what we live for. The Gospel doesn’t just save souls; it changes lives and can bring healing to communities fractured by conflict. It’s a message of hope in places where hope is often in short supply. You can learn more about how God is working through the Gospel in West Africa by exploring the stories we share on our blog.

“Globally, 2 billion people live in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCAS), with 20 countries experiencing major conflicts in 2023. These environments present unique challenges and opportunities for Christian ministry and humanitarian aid.”
Lausanne Movement

Understanding the scale of global conflict helps us see the immense need for the Gospel. It’s not just a local problem in Ghana; it’s a worldwide burden. Our job is to carry that burden, faithfully proclaiming the peace that passes all understanding. We don’t just pray for peace; we actively work for it by sharing the Prince of Peace.

Practical Steps for Ministry: Staying Grounded and Safe

When you are ministering during African conflict, whether it’s low-level or more serious, common sense and spiritual wisdom have to walk hand in hand. First, prayer is non-negotiable. You pray for peace, for protection, and for God’s wisdom to navigate tricky situations. You pray for the leaders, even those who stir up trouble.

Second, listen to the locals. My wife Laura and I have learned this lesson the hard way. We are guests in Ghana. The local believers, the elders, they understand the nuances of their own culture and the specific dynamics of any given conflict far better than we ever will. They know when to speak, when to be quiet, and when to just get out of the way. Their wisdom is invaluable for our safety and for the effectiveness of our ministry.

Third, maintain good communication. Keep your mission board informed. Let your family know what’s happening. And within the church, foster an environment where people feel safe to share their concerns. Being isolated during a time of conflict is dangerous, both physically and spiritually. If you’re considering missions, knowing how to stay connected is vital. You can find out more about what it takes to serve on the field by checking out our missionary internships page.

Don’t be a hero, y’all. There’s a fine line between courage and foolishness. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is withdraw from a situation that puts you or others at undue risk. God is sovereign, but He also expects us to use the brains He gave us. We aren’t called to tempt the Lord our God. We are called to serve Him faithfully and wisely.

Enduring for the Harvest: God’s Sovereignty in Conflict

The work of missions, especially when you are ministering during African conflict, is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when you feel like you’re running in place, or even going backward. You’ll see things that break your heart, and you’ll face challenges that seem insurmountable. But God is not surprised by conflict. He is sovereign over all things, even the chaos and division of man.

We are called to be faithful, to plant and to water, and to trust Him for the harvest. Sometimes, the harvest comes in unexpected ways, in the quiet conversion of a single soul, or in the slow, steady growth of a local church. It’s not always dramatic, but it is always God’s work. “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). This truth reminds us that we are just tools in His hand, and He is the Master Builder.

It’s easy to get discouraged when the news is full of unrest, or when you see the divisions right outside your door. But our hope is not in peaceful circumstances; our hope is in a peaceful God. He is working His plan, even in the midst of the mess. Our job is to keep our eyes on Him, to keep preaching His Word, and to keep loving His people.

Ministering during African conflict is never easy, but it is always worth it. The spiritual battles are real, and the challenges are great, but the opportunity to see lives changed by the Gospel is something you wouldn’t trade for anything. If you want to dive deeper into the realities of missionary life and how God works even in difficult times, I encourage you to check out more stories and insights on our blog. There’s always more to learn and more to pray for.

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