While burnout is becoming a problem in evangelical circles in the United States, it’s also a problem in overseas missionary work. At least that’s the word from John Mark, a missionary to France now on furlough at D & D Missionary Homes in Florida. Mark says burnout can happen both spiritually and physically and discouragement can foster it. “There are couples who have been on the mission field for over 20-25 years and when you don’t see a single soul turn to the Lord and you’re working day in and day out year after year you better believe the enemy tries to discourage you by telling you your work is ineffective and you’re getting no where.” Mark says supporting churches can help by providing care packages, increasing support and visit their missionaries. He says temporary missionary homes like D & D also help. “I don’t have to be on the front line. We’ll be here about a year because we really need it. We need a lot of time of healing, of rest, of restoration, or letting people pump into us because we’ve been pumping out constantly that we’re just empty.”
