In volatile contexts, how do we decide whether to go or stay when the stakes are high? Is it even worth it to send workers into places of such risk? A CP scholar-practitioner grew up in a war-threatened country and was later called to serve in a volatile context. Here she shares her personal reflections on the difficult decisions around risk and a theology of suffering when serving in the shadow of war.

In contexts affected by war, many global workers have found themselves focusing on trauma healing as a major part of their ministry. They seek to walk alongside people suffering from the trauma of war and other crises to bring healing and hope through engaging with Bible stories and discussion groups. A veteran worker and trauma specialist shares lessons learned while forming “trauma-informed crisis communities” among Ukrainian refugees.

How do we carry out the Great Commission if our own nation is viewed as hostile to the people group we are called to serve? Two Ukrainian practitioners, with extensive experience in the North Caucasus, Ukraine, and Russia, share how the Russia-Ukraine war has changed the equation for how best to reach the North Caucasus peoples. Informed by their personal experience living and working in the North Caucasus, they propose rethinking the who, what, and how of ministry to this neglected part of the Muslim world.

Mark Durie has become a prominent and influential voice in the discourse around Islam, ministry to Muslims, and Islamist violence. Many global workers who live among and reach out to Muslims may find his discourse challenging, confusing, or even frustrating. A fellow Australian and missionary to Muslims seeks to engage with Durie and understand his place within the spectrum of Christian approaches to Islam.

Twenty-five years ago, Gordon Nickel authored a book exploring the implications of biblical teaching on peacemaking for Christ-honoring witness among Muslims. He now reflects on that book with the question in mind, “How did that work out for you, in thought and practice?” His decades of ministry in South Asia, and his own academic study of Islam, give fresh perspective on these themes and the role of impassioned persuasion in inviting Muslims into God’s peace.

Discussions over deeply-held core beliefs can lead to heated arguments that end relationships. Many avoid these conversations altogether and leave the discussions only to scholars and debates between apologists. How do we build friendships and community with Muslims, while also giving Christians ample opportunity to introduce their Muslim friends to Christ? A group of workers in the U.S. started several Christian-Muslim book discussion groups. Read their story and the lessons learned.

A seasoned leader and bishop shares his remarkable story of coming from a devout Muslim family, being transformed by Jesus, and reassessing his Islamic background and values. Reflecting on his own loss of community and family, and his extensive discipleship and mentoring of BMBs in various places, Bishop Yassir gives counsel and encouragement to those who are walking with BMBs as they navigate the challenging issues at the borderzone of Islam and their faith in Christ.