Embracing the Nations: A Case Study on the Life and Works of Filipino Missionaries in a Foreign Land

Abstract

The study focused on the lives of Filipino missionaries who had served in foreign countries for at least five years. It is descriptive in nature and utilized Case Study as its Tradition of Inquiry. The Narrative Paradigm Theory was used, and a framework was established. The narratives focused on the missionaries' basic profile, their life testimonials, the specific circumstances that they encountered in the field, and the coping mechanisms they employed to overcome the challenges. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted using a basic questionnaire as a guide and a voice recorder. Informants were selected based on two major profiles: they should be Filipinos and have served in the mission field for at least five years. Recorded interviews were transcribed and used as a basis for analyzing results. The initial analysis focused on the general profile of Filipino missionaries in the field based on (1) Gender, (2) Marital Status, (3) Educational Background, (4) Religion –prior to conversion, (5) Mission Field, (6) Length of service in the mission field, and (7) Training. The study revealed that Filipino missionaries in a foreign land had distinct experiences that led them to make a decision to leave the comforts of their home country and settle in a strange land. Conversion from one faith to another was evident in the informants. They also encountered similar challenges in the field in the areas of language, culture, emotion (loneliness), and finances but sustained themselves through various coping strategies. The main coping mechanism is faith coupled with building good relationships with people. These missionaries fully understand their vocation, and this helped them stick to their calling and fulfill the tasks they believed they were destined to accomplish. It was also evident that undergoing a full-scale cross-cultural missionary training program with language acquisition, and resource mobilization skills will equip them with the necessary tools that will make them more effective in their chosen vocation. Missionaries in a foreign land do not just fulfill their perceived higher calling, but they also serve as Overseas Filipino Witnesses (OFWs)who influence the residents of their chosen field about Filipino culture and way of life. They need to be consistently supported by the government, the sending church, and their families.