Missionary profile – James and Carol Thiga

By Mercy Kambura

James and Carol Thiga

Missionaries and ministers in missionary member care

After five years of serving in frontier missions, we were worn out and needed to retreat and rejuvenate. We served for one year in northeastern Kenya, then four years in Marsabit (Kenya).

We went to the field excited about serving, but with time, as newlyweds and without much moral and financial support, cracks began to appear and enlarge both in our ministry and marriage.

We desperately desired to recover from emotional hurts, get more equipping, find proper sending structure and gain clarity for our next phase of ministry involvement.

Our lives, mental health, and emotions unravelled when we returned home.

We found ourselves questioning everything—even the calling to missions that we had been previously certain of. It was a depressing time for us, and we needed to hear God again.

Our hearts needed debriefing and counselling. We learned about Ellel Ministries, which deals with emotional and inner healing matters. We contacted them and got the help we needed.

Amidst the confusion, heartache, and uncertainty, we found believers who took us in.

Although this came with challenges, we were grateful to be welcomed into people’s homes as we recharged.

A missionary can collapse while still serving, but you shouldn’t wait until your energy is exhausted to seek help. Burn-out happens to people who wait until the last minute to seek help.

There are a lot of testimonies expected from the missionaries, and the Church doesn’t expect missionaries to be struggling in their marriages, families, and ministries. But it’s a reality—it’s part of the journey. We went through it and overcame it.

The Church needs to set up structures to help missionaries debrief and deal with the possible unpleasant experiences from the field.

Are you wondering how the Church can help support missionaries emotionally and mentally? Are you a missionary going through a personal crisis and needing support? Watch our interview on AfriGO Conversations which will be very helpful: https://youtu.be/E_yhtJQprMs?feature=shared