Called to Go: Why Risk Shouldn’t Stop Your Mission—and How to Manage It Wisely

by Jonathan Norton

Producer, Lightwell Insurance Advisors

When you feel called to take the good news beyond your neighborhood—to the ends of the earth—it’s not just a trip. It’s a mission. And while the heart behind that calling is powerful, the logistics can be daunting. I’ve been there. I’ve served as a mission’s director, I’ve led teams overseas, and I’ve sat in the seat of a mission traveler. I know what it’s like to carry the weight of responsibility for a team in a foreign country.

And I also know this: lack of risk mitigation should never be the reason we say no to the call.

As someone who now works in insurance, I’ve seen how the right preparation can turn a crisis into a manageable situation. I’ve also seen what happens when ministries don’t think about risk until it’s too late. That’s why I’m passionate about helping churches and mission-sending organizations plan wisely—so they can focus on ministry, not logistics.

Yes, There’s Risk—But There’s Also a Way to Prepare
This we know: mission travel comes with risk. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a political uprising, or a delayed flight that leaves your team stranded, things can and do go wrong. But that doesn’t mean we stop going. It means we count the cost and take the right steps to protect our people.

One of the most important tools we have is mission travel insurance. At Lightwell, we work closely with Faith Ventures for this. They totally understand it’s not just about checking a box—it’s about peace of mind. When you’re in a remote area and someone gets hurt, you don’t want to be scrambling to figure out how to get them care. You want to know that there’s a plan in place, that someone’s got your back, and that your team member will be taken care of.

I’ve seen this firsthand. On a trip to Latvia, one of our team members had to go to the emergency room for stitches. Because we had mission travel insurance, the costs were reimbursed, and the process was smooth. On the flip side, I’ve worked with a church that didn’t have coverage when a team member fell from a roof in Central America and suffered a serious back injury. The church had to step in financially and emotionally to manage the crisis—something that could have been avoided with the right preparation.

High-Risk Doesn’t Have to Mean No-Go
Some ministries feel called to places that are hard to reach—places with travel advisories or ongoing conflict. I get that. I’ve been there. And I never want to be the person who says, “That’s too risky, don’t go.” Instead, I want to help you go wisely.

That means understanding what your insurance policy does and doesn’t cover. If you’re going to a country with known conflict, some coverages—like security evacuation—might be excluded. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go. It just means you need to know the limitations and plan accordingly.

Work with local partners who understand the culture and the risks. Enroll your team in the U.S. State Department’s STEP program. And most importantly, talk to your insurance agent. Ask, “Is this country excluded from our policy?” That one question can shape your entire preparation process.

Wrapping Up
You’re not alone. At Lightwell, when your mission is protected, ours is fulfilled. We don’t want you bogged down by risk management. We want you focused on your calling. Let us carry that weight with you. Come talk with us.

So, if you’re planning a mission trip—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth—don’t let fear stop you. Go. Serve. Love. Just do it wisely.

Because the harvest is plentiful. And the laborers? They’re called to go.

Watch Jonathan’s full interview here, or listen to The Lightwell Podcast on your favorite streaming service.

New to Lightwell Insurance Advisors? Navigate to “Agent Locations,” select your state, and click “Contact Us.” Our team would be happy to talk with you.

About the Author: Jonathan Norton is a producer for Lightwell Insurance Advisors, serving ministries across Arizona and Utah. With a deep personal commitment to mission work, Jonathan brings a unique dual perspective to his role—combining firsthand experience as a former missions director and active participant in international mission trips with professional expertise in risk management and insurance. Whether serving as “camp dad” in Latvia or helping churches navigate the complexities of mission travel insurance, Jonathan is passionate about equipping ministries to go boldly and safely wherever they’re called. His heart for service and the global church shines through in every conversation, making him a trusted guide for organizations preparing to take the good news to the ends of the earth.

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Lightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We're a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection.

This blog post provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. All coverage options are subject to their specific terms, conditions, coverage limits, limitations, and exclusions.