Single Women on the Mission Field

     Single women fill an important role in missionary work and therefore deserve special consideration. What can a single woman do on the mission field? Many Christians, including single women themselves, may be skeptical about their role and usefulness in missions. Putting aside the usual stereotypes and preconceived misconceptions, let’s consider what the Bible says.

     Many women followed and ministered to Jesus (Matthew 27:55-56) and are among the finest examples of faith, generosity and service recorded in the New Testament (cf. Matthew 9:20-22; 15:22-28; Mark 12:41-44; 14:8-9). The greatest event in history was first witnessed and announced by godly women (Matthew 28:1-10). The first “missionary” to Samaria, besides Jesus himself, was female (John 4:28-30, 39-42). Women formed part of the nucleus when the Lord’s church began (Acts 1:14; 2:41), and the number of receptive women who obeyed the gospel was an important factor in the rapid growth of early Christianity (Acts 5:14; 8:12; 17:4, 12, 34). Among those in Berea who “searched the scriptures daily” and responded to the truth were noble-minded women (Acts 17:11-12). The church at Philippi initially consisted of devout women and met in a woman’s home (Acts 16:13-18, 40). Because of their uncompromising faith these dedicated, first-century Christian women even suffered brutal persecution (Acts 8:3; 9:2; 22:4).

     Tabitha “was full of good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). Phoebe was “a servant of the church in Cenchrea,” whom Paul said “has been a helper of many and of myself also” (Romans 16:1-2). Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis “labored much in the Lord” (Romans 16:6, 12). Euodia and Syntyche labored with Paul in the gospel (Philippians 4:2-3). There were widows who were “well reported for good works,” who “brought up children … lodged strangers … washed the saints’ feet … relieved the afflicted … diligently followed every good work” (1 Timothy 5:10). Any careful observer of church work and church history must concede that godly women have always been the backbone of the Lord’s church.

     Since Christian woman are to be “teachers of good things” (Titus 2:3), we find that a number of them in the New Testament were endowed with the miraculous gift of prophecy (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). It stands to reason that if God had given this gift and the responsibilities of teaching and service to women, he would have expected them to be utilized. At the same time, however, there are certain restrictions placed on Christian women. They are not permitted to teach or exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:11-12), neither are they allowed to speak as to lead the public assembly (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

     Some have mistakenly concluded that the role of male leadership indicates that women are in some way inferior to men. However, even though male headship implies female subordination (1 Corinthians 11:3), submission and inferiority are not equivalents. While all Christians have been directed to love, serve, and submit to one another (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 5:5), each has been allocated different functions to perform. For example, elders are to “rule over” the flock and function as “overseers” (Hebrews 13:7-24; 1 Peter 5:2), and the other members are called upon to “obey” and “submit” to them (Hebrews 13:17). As far as the relationship to one another in Christ is concerned, there is equality and mutual submission among all believers. At the same time, there are different God-ordained roles, involving leadership and unilateral submission, to be respected and fulfilled.

     Whatever a Christian woman does in the Lord’s service, she ought to be sensitive to “the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-5). She should be one who “trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5). A faithful Christian woman “cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit” (1 Corinthians 7:34).

     What can a single woman do on the mission field? There are any number of ministries in which she can be involved, including evangelism, prayer, teaching children’s and ladies’ Bible classes, correspondence work, youth activities, encouraging weak Christians and other singles, secretarial and administrative work, counseling, developing teaching materials, language acquisition, translating, writing, babysitting, easing the work load of other missionaries, providing transport, teaching special skills, and the list could go on. But instead of making a longer list, the best answer to this question, given by one female missionary, is the following: “Whatever I can that needs to be done” (Grace Johnson Farrar, “Opportunities for Women on the Mission Field,” Christian Bible Teacher [March 1988]: 103).

     A single woman, serving the Lord in an environment foreign to her own, must be acutely aware of special problems she may encounter. For any woman in any culture, personal safety can be compromised if good judgment is not exercised. If at all possible single women should travel and work in pairs or in groups or with coworkers, but rarely alone. In many cultures women are expected to be married and have children, so the single female missionary may face a certain amount of suspicion, prejudice, and castigation. It is very important that cultural norms be learned and respected (e.g. women not exposing their hair in some Middle Eastern countries). Nevertheless, these challenges pale in significance to the good she can accomplish and the special needs she can fill.

     Any single woman who exhibits a sincere desire to do whatever she can for the Lord with whatever abilities, opportunities and resources she may have, deserves all the respect, encouragement, support and appreciation she is due. Thank God for the single missionary woman!

–Kevin L. Moore

*Adapted from the author’s book The Single Missionary (2002) 47-51; reworked and adapted further for a previous post on “A Woman’s Service in the Church,” <Link>.

Related Posts: The Single Christian

Related articles: Hugo McCord's The Love of God Constraineth Us; Bruce Daugherty's Sarah Andrews; Emily Stockton's If Mr. Right Never Comes Along

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The Case for the Single Missionary

     Why would it seem so peculiar for a congregation to have a greater preference for an unmarried preacher than for a family man? Why is it generally more difficult for single missionaries to raise support than for married ones? When mission teams are being formed, why are couples often recruited with little regard for single prospects? The underlying message, although subtle and unintentional, is that the unmarried status is comparatively inferior. Consequently singles are unwittingly brainwashed into thinking they are abnormal, and no wonder so many are discontent and undergo senseless frustration and self-pity.

     Is there something inherently wrong with being spouseless? Was not Jesus, our Master and perfect example, a single man? Was it not an unmarried person who wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11)? Almost all successful missionary models are based on the ministries and methods of Jesus and Paul, both of whom were bachelors. There appears to be a greater precedent in the New Testament for single missionaries than for married ones, but in today’s church it looks as though we have turned this idea on its head. Congregations looking to support a missionary usually have in mind a couple or a family, and it seems that single candidates are considered only when no others are available. I can’t help but wonder how difficult it would be for evangelists like Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and even Jesus to find employment or to raise financial support in many present-day congregations.

     One must never let the fact that he/she is single keep him/her from considering missionary opportunities. We need more singles involved in every aspect of church work, especially missions. If a person is eligible, that person most certainly has the “right to take along a believing [spouse]” (1 Corinthians 9:5). But keep in mind that he/she also has the right not to! Regardless of social expectations, the Lord has not made it a requirement for a person to be married.

     If one’s heart is set on doing missionary work, it is much better to remain single than to marry someone who doesn’t share the same convictions and dreams. I know brethren who sincerely want to do overseas missionary work but have never been able to because of a spouse who does not have the same desire. The fire in their bones either has to be extinguished or it continues to burn with feeble attempts to satisfy it on the home front. And if an uncommitted partner is dragged off to the mission field, don’t expect the work to be very fruitful. If your mate is miserable, you will almost certainly be miserable too. A number of missionaries have been forced to return home prematurely because of an unhappy spouse.

     Several years ago, when I was still single, an elder of one of my supporting congregations said to me: “There’s nothing better than a good woman …” After a brief pause, he continued, “… and there’s nothing worse than a bad one!” (cf. Proverbs 12:4). That is not to suggest a person is bad if he or she doesn’t want to be a missionary, and the above observation also applies to the opposite gender. But the point is: marriage is not a prerequisite for missionary work, and in some cases it may even be inadvisable. There are two things a prospective single missionary must never say: (1) “I plan to do missionary work unless I get married,” and (2) “I won’t do missionary work until I get married.” There are some who have chosen single-hood (at least for a time) for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. “He who is able to accept it, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:12).

–Kevin L. Moore

Adapted from the author’s book The Single Missionary (2002) 1-5; reworked and adapted further for a previous post on “The Single Christian,” <Link>.

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Related articles: Stan Mitchell's The Single Minister

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The Single Missionary Woman (Part 3): Joy Miller Allen

     Jule LeGrose Miller (1925-2000) produced a series of filmstrips in 1956 known as the “Visualized Bible Study” (a.k.a. “Jule Miller Filmstrips”), later transferred to VHS and then to DVD. This series has been effectively used around the world to lead more souls to Christ than probably any other evangelistic tool. On the Sunday before his death, Jule Miller reportedly said to his family, “there are millions of people today who are dying in their sins. If we will take the gospel of Christ to them, millions can be saved. We’ve got to tell them about Jesus! …. I want all of you to spread the gospel and bring others to Christ” <Sketch of the Life of Jule Miller>.

     Jule Miller and his wife Judy had 32 grandchildren. Following is the story of one of them – their granddaughter Joy.

The Preparatory Years

     Rebecca Joy Miller Allen is the oldest daughter of Robin and Ellen Miller of Columbia, Tennessee. Joy attended Freed-Hardeman University, where she met her husband Kyle Spencer Allen. Kyle served as president of Evangelism Forum (a club on campus for mission-minded students), and Joy was the secretary for the missions studies department. They both graduated with degrees in Bible and missions.

The Missionary Family

     In September of 2004, while living in Columbia, TN, Joy gave birth to their first child, a precious little girl named Celia Joy. In 2006 the young family moved to the nation of India to serve as long-term missionaries in the region of Delhi. While in language school in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, they agreed to care for a frail baby girl whose mother was dying in a nearby village. At nearly 4-months old, the infant weighed only about 5 lbs. (2.5 kilograms), severely malnourished and not expected to live. When the mother died, the baby’s destitute father asked the Allens if they would adopt the sickly child. He had four other children, and he simply could not take care of her. They agreed, and the little girl who seemed to have little chance of survival was aptly named Asha, meaning “hope.”

     With the loving care of a loving family, Asha did survive, and she grew, and she thrived. As the Allens sought legal guardianship of Asha, which is a very slow and arduous process in India, they welcomed a third child into their family in 2012, a baby boy named Ephraim.

Challenges, Struggles, and Tragedy

     Due to extreme prejudice against Christians in North India, the bureaucratic red tape seemed endless for the Allens, especially since converting to Hinduism was not an option for them. Their case went through five different judges; before a ruling was made by one judge, another was appointed and the grueling process had to start all over again. Then frustration turned to tragedy.

     On 17 Feb. 2013, after six and a half years of missionary service in India, Kyle Allen unexpectedly died at the age of 35 from complications related to Sepsis. At the time Celia was 8, Asha was 6, and Ephraim was 11 months. The petition for Asha’s guardianship was in Kyle’s name and now had to be transferred into Joy’s name, hindering the lengthy proceedings even more. Finally, in October 2014, legal guardianship was granted. Now Joy was a widow, left in India to care for three young children on her own.

Missionary Service Continues

     With guardianship attained, the laborious adoption procedure begins. As far as Joy is concerned, just because of a tough environment and bitter circumstances, faithfulness to the Lord does not end, even as a single mother with three small children. There was never a thought of leaving India with her other two kids without her daughter Asha.

     Joy carries on the work that she and Kyle started together. She regularly hosts traveling Christians and non-Christians in her home, both Indians and foreigners. Despite persecutions and other risks that result from converting Hindus, she leads or is involved in a number of ladies classes and meetings around Delhi and other areas of India. She meets several times each month with Hindus and denominationalists for individual and group studies. She travels with her children throughout the year to places like Mussoorie, Mumbai, Pune, and Gujarat, visiting Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and members of the Lord’s church, influencing the unbelievers and encouraging the brethren. As she teaches women’s classes, Celia and Asha lead short devotionals for younger ladies. Joy also assists a Christian elementary school in the village of Arunanchal, organizing curriculum, securing supplies, and helping plan day-to-day operations.

What Does the Future Hold?

     Will the Joy Allen family eventually return to the United States, or will they remain in India? According to Indian law, Joy is required to take Asha to the States within two years of obtaining legal guardianship to fully adopt her. However, American immigration law requires Joy to remain in India for the same two-year period because, in their view, she has only recently been recognized as Asha’s legal guardian. While the aim is to prevent child trafficking, they have reached a proverbial stalemate. Joy and the kids are now waiting to hear from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for a ruling on whether or not Asha will be granted a visa. In the meantime, here is how Joy views the situation:

I have been so blessed to raise the kids in India. Raising them as third culture kids has, of course, been an adventure, but every day we have all been blessed to have opportunities to shine all our lights. I cannot say enough of the experiences that we have had here to grow in the Father and to share Him as we live our lives with the beautiful Asian people. We have seen His love, hope, and strength every day here in our home and on the streets of India. We continue to rely on Him in this journey and we know as [we] make plans to leave that He loves the Indian people even more than we do. It is very difficult to think of leaving India and her people, that we have come to think of as our family, behind. We have not only worked here for almost a decade but we have LIVED here, truly lived, and we are so honored to have had this experience. <Our Story> 

      Joy’s earnest prayer is that God’s will be done. If the door opens for their return to the United States, she plans to find a job and be as self-sufficient as possible as quickly as possible so that church funds can remain invested in world evangelization. If the door opens for them to stay in India, she will feel blessed and consider it a privilege to continue raising her children in an atmosphere of service.

     Please pray for Joy, Celia (11), Asha (9), and Ephraim (3), not necessarily for a specific outcome to their uncertain predicament, but for the will of God to be accomplished in their lives. From a missionary perspective, it is not simply a matter of “coming home.” They are already home. It is about seeking what is in the best interest of the family and their service to Christ. Let us encourage, support, and thank God for such champions of faith, of whom the world is not worthy (Heb. 11:39).
--Kevin L. Moore

*If you are interested in keeping up with the Allen’s extraordinary adventure, visit “Keep up with the Allen Family Adoption” <here>. 

**Since this article was posted, Asha's adoption has been finalized, and the family has moved back to the USA.

Works Consulted:

Allen, Joy Miller, “Our Story,” Facebook (18 Nov. 2015), <Link>.

---. Correspondence with Earl D. Edwards (13 Nov. 2015).

Allen, Kathryn, Celia’s Story Through the Eyes of Texas Grandma (Xlibris.com, 2014), <Link>.

“Judith Miller Obituary,” The Pasadena Citizen (Oct. 21–Nov. 3, 2013), <Link>.

McKune, Katie, “Adopting Asha,” YouCaring (10 March 2014), <Link>.

Matheny, J. Randal, “Missionary Kyle Allen,” Brotherhood News (28 Feb. 2013), <Link>. 

“Kyle Spencer Allen,” The Daily Herald (5 March 2013), <Link>.

“Sketch of the Life of Jule Miller,” Restoration History, <Link>.

Related Posts: Part 1: Sarah Andrews, Part 2: Roberta Edwards

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