Workers serving cross-culturally may face dangers and other challenges. Dangers may arise from political unrest, illness, local crime, or persecution because one is a follower of Jesus. Paul the Apostle faced dangers as he served others, including experiencing prison, being flogged or beaten, and even shipwreck (2 Cor. 11:24-26, Acts 27). Others even plotted to kill him (Acts 23:12-15). This is not surprising, as others plotted to kill Jesus, whom Paul followed (Matt. 12:14, 25: 1-2, Mark 3:6). 

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Several biblical characters demonstrate the ability to take risks when led by God. In Exod. 14:13-22, Moses leads the Hebrews into the Red Sea at God’s prompting. In Acts 10:9-23, Peter deliberately interacted with Gentiles—something not commonly done—after the Lord provided him with a vision of all food as being clean. In Acts 16:6-12, Paul took the risk to enter a new unanticipated area after experiencing the vision of a man from Macedonia. Each of these activities involved risk and potential danger, yet God’s people followed his leading. Christian workers need to be aware of the danger and difficulties they will face and be willing to endure them and take risks in following the Spirit as he leads.

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Those serving in Muslim contexts may face unique dangers. Ministry may bring many challenges, and Muslims or authorities may react aggressively to them. During these times, the Spirit may lead and invite them to take risks in ministry or with their families. It is important workers in Muslim areas understand the possibilities of danger and difficulties and are willing to face them even as they look to the Spirit.