Witness & Persecution Podcast: Sending, Not Going, Is The Hardest Task

After a long hiatus, the Witness & Persecution podcast with Nik and Ruth Ripken returns with a deeply personal and powerful new episode: "Sending, Not Going, Is the Hardest Task."

This episode marks a turning point—not just for the podcast, but for Nik himself. After nearly four decades on the mission field, Nik Ripken offers an emotional reflection on the overlooked cost of missions: the heartache and heroism of those who send.

A New Season, A New Perspective

Nik and Ruth have spent their lives helping the Church understand what it means to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth. They’ve trained workers, walked alongside persecuted believers, and written and spoken extensively about going where Jesus is not yet known. But this season of life—one filled with health challenges, major life transitions, and deep family connections—has opened Nik’s eyes to something he had long overlooked.

As their own children and grandchildren consider lives of cross-cultural mission, Nik now sees what he missed for so long: sending is often harder than going.

A Heartfelt Apology to the Senders

This episode serves as Nik’s public apology to the countless parents, grandparents, churches, and friends who have released their loved ones to the mission field. While the spotlight often shines on those who “go,” Nik acknowledges that those who “send” carry a burden that is quiet, constant, and deeply sacrificial.

From missed holidays to five-year gaps between visits, the senders bear the weight of the Great Commission in ways that often go unnoticed. Nik admits: “I didn’t understand the father’s heart. I only understood the son’s desire to go and do.”

Who Walks the Senders to the Car?

One of the most profound insights from this episode is a simple, sobering question: Who walks the parents to their car after they’ve just sent their child to the nations? While mission workers receive extensive training and support, the senders are often left to navigate their grief, pride, and fear alone.

Nik challenges churches and mission organizations to recognize this gap. What if there were training—not just for the goers—but for the senders? What if churches actively pastored and celebrated those who gave their most treasured gifts to God’s mission?

A Call to Connection and Encouragement

Nik and Ruth want to hear from the senders. Whether you’ve just said goodbye, are preparing to send, or are still processing what it means to let go, they want to walk with you. If you need prayer, encouragement, or simply someone who understands—reach out.

📧 Email: [email protected]

Explore "Insanity Unleashed"

The Ripkens have also launched a new global discipleship resource: Insanity Unleashed. Designed to help believers cross the street and cross the ocean with wisdom and courage, this tool is a culmination of decades of frontline experience and biblical insight.

If you are part of a church that sends—or a family that has sent—Insanity Unleashed is for you.