Every Unknown Moment
Missionaries face many unknowns in their lives – jobs, housing, leadership, family. These stresses are amplified when their lives and their family’s lives are at risk every single day. This is the experience of Hank and Deby Miller who are currently serving in Northern Israel.
The complete unknown of the next moment has forced Hank and Deby to live completely in the present.
“Before the war, we used to think about the future – what we could do, where we could go..” said Hank. “Now we only focus on the day that we wake up because we don’t know what the future looks like anymore. One day you’re eating dinner and the next day there’s 1200 Hamas terrorists entering your backyard.”
The constant stress and pressure of war has put new strains on their marriage, their ministry, and their faith. Demands for their time and energy increase, and their time for rest decreases. They process the complex emotions of having loved ones serving in the war and wonder if they will live through the day – all while taking care of their young son. These unknowns challenge them in ways they’ve never experienced.
“For someone who grew up not in a climate where there’s bombs being dropped over your head, it’s a very surreal way of life,” said Hank. “There are daily aspects of fear and worry.”
“It’s only God that gives us the strength,” added Deby. “We don’t know where it comes from.”
Hank and Deby lead a congregation and men’s and women’s groups. Though it’s always been difficult to reach people spiritually, a main challenge that faces them now is how to minister to people who have traumas they’ve never experienced. Hank ministers to soldiers, men who were regular civilians yesterday and are facing combat and death today. Deby disciples the wives of soldiers, women who never know if their husbands are dead or alive.
The immense suffering of the people has caused those who are usually closed-off and indifferent to God to become desperate for him.
“When people are so hurt and they’ve been through such awful things, they’re more open to anything that gives them hope and love,” said Deby.
They strive to show each person they serve – whether by meeting physical needs or spiritual needs – that they are not another project, but a person Jesus loves and deeply cares for.
“Sometimes the best thing to do is just listen to people and let them have their moment to express their pain and hurt and just pray with them,” said Hank. “At the end of the day, the only person who can touch that person’s life is God.”
Even in the midst of war, Hank and Deby have learned they must embrace the opportunities given to them and continue to be faithful in the small, everyday things.
Deby began to study the Bible more thoroughly as she realized the depth of study required to lead people in such trying circumstances. She recently led a study on the book of Ephesians for her women’s small group.
“I have a ton of responsibilities, but people are really leaning on me, so I need to show up,” said Deby. “I went really deep into the Word of God because I know that all the answers are here.”
Recently, the couple felt led to do a study on marriage with their congregation, but doubted whether the topic was important considering what was going on around them. They followed through and it ended up being a blessing for everyone. Many couples shared their struggles and received prayer and support.
“It encouraged me to have big faith. God will give me the right words. God will guide me to the right subject to teach,” said Deby.
Hank and Deby’s experiences encourage them to rely on God in every single moment for every single need – even the very beating of their hearts. As they see God provide and work in other’s lives, they are emboldened to trust God fully and live with the deep faith needed to serve in strenuous circumstances.
Hank and Deby ask that people continue to pray and encourage them.
“This is our home, this is where God wants us right now,” said Deby. “What an honor to be here in Israel in times like these.”
